IMEG provided structural, MEP, fire protection, technology and security design, and construction administration services for the Forest Park Middle School in Franklin, WI. The new, two-story building accommodates over 1,300 students in grades 6 through 8 and houses 42 traditional classrooms along with multiple studios, a STEM center, and collaboration hubs. The middle school is modernizing educational standards for the area by introducing new concepts to promote and encourage learning.

The Forest Park Middle School is a flexible and progressive learning environment that grants students access to numerous constructive and educational specialty spaces and programs. Collaboration, innovation, and exploratory learning are all central to the design of the building and were kept in mind when designing the various labs throughout the building. A STEM Discovery Center featuring a fabrication lab, wood shop, electronics and robotics lab and the open research-based media center spans two floors and forms the central hub of the school. Connected by three wings housing learning studios and open collaboration hubs, the STEM hub was strategically organized to allow students to take advantage of the multidisciplinary learning opportunities. Ultimately, the middle school provides the community with an intimate education environment that eases potential anxiety many students transitioning from elementary level experience. One challenge experienced by the team was maintaining

a strict time schedule. Although the building was new, it needed to be ready for use by the beginning of the 2019 school year while also leaving room and time for teachers and staff to adequately prepare for the influx of students. Another challenge was to make sure the project stayed under the referendum budget. Both problems were solved with prefabricated wall panels that saved a month of construction time and allowed spaces to be occupational while being worked on. Careful and meticulous consideration was given to communications to make sure any delays or issues could be directly addressed and solved. Ultimately, the project was approximately $3 million under budget.

As a safe, constructive, and innovative learning hub for young aspiring minds, the design of the new school serves the needs of students and provides flexibility for the future.