Browne Educational Campus Modernization
Washington, D.C
Merit Award
Sent by: MCN Build
Owner: DC Department of General Services/DC Public Schools
Main design company: Perkins Eastman
General contractor: MCN Build
Architect: R. McGhee & Associates
Subcontractors: Freestate Electrical Construction Co.; Pro-Air Inc.; District Construction Co.; Alcoa concrete and masonry of DC; Boldmark Steel Industries; Forsythe DC; HRGM Corp.; Genesys Impact; HADDCON
The project team transformed a beloved community institution into a model for 21st-century public education, renovating a nearly century-old main building and its 1950s south wing with an approach that highlights the school’s role in the life of the African American community during the segregation era. Features include sunlit, air-conditioned classrooms; an independent auditor; cafeteria; science laboratories; and rooms dedicated to music and art. Outside, the campus is just as thoughtful, with three playgrounds for different age groups, basketball courts, a soccer practice area, EV-ready parking, bioretention landscaping and new ADA ramps.
Innovative problem solving and strong collaboration helped overcome budget constraints, right-sizing the campus by replacing the oversized gymnasium structure from the 1970s, resulting in a total size of 159,000 square feet. Part of the existing pipe tunnels were converted into a communal discovery space with natural lighting for group learning, while emergency rooms were transformed into emergency rooms and modified. a classroom
