Lakeland Regional High School District

Media Center Renovations at Lakeland Regional High School

Renovating old libraries is not about making them look new... it is about making new media centers that are usable, desirable and a practical destination.

The outdated and underutilized High School Media Center was in need of a total overhaul. With mismatched and dated furniture, scattershot layout, and a catchall storage destination, this large open and airy space was a space to be avoided by most. The challenge was in how to address those deficiencies on a limited budget for the relative size of the room, and turn this into a modern and appealing media center, that students will once again look forward to spend time in.

With new paint, and the use of strategically placed wall graphics, incorporating a new identity, part of the schools rebranding efforts also led by Solutions Architecture, the large space now had clear visual indicators that teased of the new usable areas to congregate. New furnishings created organization and storage, with pops of color accents that tie together with the new visuals in the room. A "performance" stage was created, where students now gather after school and use as a creative outlet for music, spoken word or creative presentations. A new Café provides more seating area for students, as well as a relaxed corner to gather, have a drink or a snack. A stark contrast to typical school libraries of the past, this is a modern media center for knowledge, studying, creativity, and an after-school destination.

Area: 7,500 sq. ft.

Project Details

• Cost: $355,500
• Completion Date: January 2021
• Location: Wanaque, New Jersey
• Category: Renovations
• Owner: Mr. Hugh Beattie, Superintendent