cristo rey high school
transforming education & Community
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In the heart of Richmond's Museum District, the former 1911 Benedictine College Preparatory School building underwent a transformation to adapt to Cristo Rey’s innovative work-study model. We removed drop ceilings from a 1986 renovation to restore the historic building’s high ceilings and arched windows. Spaces at Cristo Rey Richmond High School feature high ceilings and an abundance of natural light, as the former Benedictine High School did before a 1980s renovation.
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The project design serves to mediate a series of intersections – the intersection between traditional academics and real-world experience, inter-city students and corporate professionals, and a historic building and next-generation learning environments. The school is not zoned and welcomes applicants throughout the Richmond community, acting as an accessible and inclusive community resource for students and their families. The new design will create learning environments that bridge those intersections through a professional aesthetic that respects the context of the historic building and the personal context that the students will bring.
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LOCATION Richmond, Va / Completion 2021 / SIZE 66,400 GSF
 Main Entrance at the Entry AdditionThe Entry Addition transformed the 1972 "Connector Building" into the new front door for the academic campus - one that is modern and inviting. This helps to unite the 1950's Gym to the left, the 1911 Classroom Tower the right, and Career Center on the lower level. |  Reception at the Entry Addition |  Main Stair at the Entry Addition |
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 Main Stair at the Entry AdditionThis view highlights the multi-level connection point for the new Entry Addition, the existing basement leading towards the renovated cafeteria, and the Counseling & Administrative Suites on the existing Main Level. |  Classroom Tower's Upper Level ForumOn the Upper Level of the 1911 renovated Classroom Tower, the Forum, serves as a multi-functional space that once served as an interior drill field for the Benedictine Military School. |  Classroom Tower's Maker Space |
 Classroom Tower's Main StairThe classroom tower's Main Stair was transformed from a dark and unwelcoming space to one that is full of light and allows the historic details to stand out. |  Classroom Tower's Main Level Classroom |  Classroom Tower's Main Level Classroom - BEFORE |
 Classroom Tower's Lower Level Science Classroom |  Connector Building's Learning Commons |  Connector Building's Learning Commons |
 Connector Building's Lower Level Cafeteria |  Connector Building's Lower Level Cafeteria |  Classroom Tower ExteriorBuilt in 1911 & renovated in 1986 after a fire, the Classroom Tower portion of the site is part of the West of the Boulevard Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. |