Academic Center & Athletic Building

Owner: Building African American Minds (BAAM)
Easton, Maryland

RAUCH, inc. provided architectural and engineering design services for BAAM’s new three-story, 28,715 square foot academic center which will accommodate 200 students in Easton, Maryland. In addition to charter school education, BAAM provides after school and summer programming for students in first grade through high school. Willow Construction was a partner in the project.

Our engagement with BAAM began with a feasibility study analyzing a one-story vs. a multi-story school building for grades pre-K through 8. Our study assessed zoning and parking requirements, existing site conditions, safe pedestrian access, and site circulation to adjacent BAAM recreational and athletic facilities. We also reviewed all proposed facility features.

Following the feasibility study, the owner contracted our firm for full-phase engineering and architectural design, building and mechanical systems planning, and construction management services. The facility includes all of the primary programmatic elements of a traditional public school including classrooms, science labs, an art studio, music rooms, a cafeteria with a commercial kitchen, multipurpose lounges, common spaces, a library, administrative offices, restrooms, and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. A solar rooftop installation was included in our design to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and reduce utility costs.

This project has required compliance and consistency with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, adherence with state funding requirements, green design principals, and energy efficiency considerations. Our project goals were to design a safe space for youth to engage in academic activities and to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that inspires academic success.