RGB, in collaboration with Gilbane Building Company, conducted an in-depth evaluation of several North Smithfield public schools.  As a result of the evaluation, a master plan recommendation, in a three-phased approach, was made to design a new middle school, a new elementary school, and upgrade and expand the high school.  The proposed new middle school received bond approval by the Town of North Smithfield in April 2006.

Phase I consisted of the construction of a new middle school with a 550 student capacity.  The 105,000 SF facility, designed with future expansion capability, also has a flexible design to support multiple teaching formats.  Completed in August 2008, the total construction cost was $32 million.

National Grid/Advanced Building Core Performance – “Superior Energy Efficient Design for High
Performance Schools” 2008/2009

Planning for the 21st century, Bay View Academy commissioned RGB to analyze their existing campus infrastructure and to produce a master plan that addresses current and future needs.

With special attention on their science, technology, and auditorium spaces, RGB, through a thorough cost and needs based analysis, has implemented “Phase I” of the plan - adding a new, modern entrance and elevator to their science building. Construction Budget for Phase I is $700,000.00

Planning for “Phase II-” renovation and re-design of the science and technology wing, is underway. With the completion of Phase I and Phase II, the 50 year old institution will have state of the art facilities.

“Bay View Academy commissioned RGB to assist our school in over $25 million worth of renovation planning. Currently we are renovating our Science Building and are very impressed with RGB’s commitment, design talents and their ability for energy efficient design and planning”.

S. Elizabeth McAuliffe, Principal, Bay View Academy

RGB's design for the new science and student center design at LaSalle Academy in Providence, RI was recognized as an Outstanding High School Building in American School & University 2005 Architectural Portfolio awards.  The project was completed in 2004 at a cost of approximately $8.2 million dollars.

The program for this 46,000 SF private preparatory high school called for an increase in the science curricula and student center.  Eleven laboratory classrooms were designed to be a combination model with lab and group instructional seating in the same room.  The student center is comprised of media-equipped classrooms, lecture rooms, a 450 seat cafeteria with a commercial-grade kitchen, and serves as a more centralized location for the Campus Ministry, including a chapel and office space.

RGB provided architectural services to replace and repair 300 windows and surrounding masonry, waterproofing and pre-cast concrete lintel and sills replacement for the Community Elementary School in North Attleborough, MA.  The work was completed during the school year, without interruption to daily school activities.  The project was completed on-budget and substantial completion was on-schedule for a total construction cost of $500,000.00.

Brockton High School, the largest public high school on the  East Coast, and the Huntington School, a complex of masonry buildings built between 1896 and 1950, were aging rapidly and by 2003, were in need of significant masonry repair and restoration.

RGB began with a thorough investigation of the existing conditions at each school. Both schools were to remain open during design and construction and each posed unique design challenges for the team.

Buildings at both complexes exhibited signs of failed mortar joints, failed gutters and downspouts, and failed sealant joints. RGB provided complete architectural services through construction documents as well as documents for public bid.

The half million dollar project was completed early and $100,000 under budget.

The Howard School commissioned RGB to investigate their existing 10,000 SF roof and to design a cost effective replacement.

RGB called for the removal of abandoned equipment and penetrations no longer required, and for the infill of the abandoned vent shafts. The new design incorporated code compliant, tapered insulation to improve drainage and better insulate the building.

Conversant in the public process, RGB provided public bid assistance to the school and brought the project in $17,000 under budget.

Continuing its successful relationship with the Brockton Public School system, RGB conducted an analysis of the existing 63,000 SF roof at South Junior High School.

The new design included major demolition of existing concrete curbs, equipment and penetrations as well as all associated roofing connections. Existing skylights were replaced and new code compliant, tapered insulation was added to improve thermal performance and drainage.

RGB provided public bid assistance and the $1.1 M project was successfully completed under budget.

RGB was awarded the prestigious task of designing the new Rhode Island School for the Deaf.  The new facility is built on the site of the existing school in Providence and was completed in the fall of 2010.  This design allowed for the existing school to remain in use until the new facility was completed.
    
The new 73,000 SF school is certified LEED Silver and features high efficiency HVAC systems, envelope design and solar shading, as well as daylighting-harvesting controls at all classrooms.  Construction cost was $31 million for this pre-K-high school facility.

The project provides parking for approximately 145 parking spaces with 1500 feet of roadway/driveway construction.

RGB's Educational Group has an extensive portfolio in academic design of K-12 facilities that spans its' 64 year long history.  From public to private schools, RGB's scope of services range from master planning and feasibility studies to new construction and renovations/additions. We have assisted numerous towns and cities with bond referendums, as well as marketing campaigns and RIDE submittals.  In addition to the projects listed on the main K-12 page, additional projects/clients include:

• Cumberland High School New Wellness Center &  curtain wall addition, Cumberland, RI
• Lincoln Public Schools, RI
• William L. Callahan School Addition, Burrillville, RI
• North Kingstown Public Schools, North Kingstown, RI
• Narragansett Public Schools, Narragansett, RI
• Middletown Public Schools, Middletown, RI
• Chariho Public Schools, Chariho, RI
• Portsmouth Public Schools, Porstmouth, RI
• Little Compton Public Schools, Little Compton, RI
• St. Rafael Academy, Providence, RI
• Wheeler School, New Field House, Providence, RI
• Norwich Free Academy, Norwich, CT
• Somerset Public Schools, Somerset, MA
• Berkley Public Schools, Berkley, MA

RGB was commissioned by Rhode Island College (RIC) and the State of Rhode Island to design a new 367-bed 124,900 GSF residence hall.  The $28 million project, which marks the newest residence hall facility on the college campus in nearly 15 years, was completed in August 2007.  The hall offers students and administration recreation, study and office space.  Units accommodate 4 students each; single and double bedroom occupancy apartments; some with kitchens and common in-room living space.
 
International Masonry Institute 2008 Golden
Trowel Award, New England Region – “Best Sustainable Design Project”
New Residence Hall, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI

Opened in 1914 as a small business school with two typewriters and one student, today the University is a thriving and vibrant academic institution with a uniqueness and spirit of its own.

This award winning project is designed to communicate the energy and diversity of the growing multicultural student body that has made Johnson and Wales one of the country’s top career universities. The Harborside Center is a bold, forward-looking facility.

The grand entrance, with its soaring, sun filled atrium attracts students from across the campus where they gather during the day or after classes to form teams for pick-up basketball games or for a chat. It has become a new hub of activity at the campus.

RGB updated the original design in 2012, giving the interior spaces a new look in keeping with the University's continued growth.

A collaborative team effort, RGB designed a 38,500 SF state-of-the-art research and training institute on Narragansett Bay for the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

The facility included:
• Marine Geological Samples Laboratory
• Remote Sensing Laboratory
• Ocean Mapping Development Center
• Paleomagnetics Laboratory
• Marine Aquarium Facility
• Equipment Development Laboratory
• Lecture and Teaching Facilities

Salve Regina University sits on the grounds of the 1888 gothic-revival Wakehurst mansion.  The library’s massing and scale respond to the mansion and to the site’s mature landscaping.  The layout takes advantage of the elaborate formal garden between the two buildings.

Inside, however, the library reflects the University’s commitment to educational excellence in a modern world.  The McKillop Library marks a distinctive place in the heart of the campus and underscores the University’s image and educational goals within the highly regulated and sensitive historic district of Newport.

This $8 million library houses 230,000 volumes of books, a state-of-the-art computer network and a fiber optic information system.

“So frequently I say to myself how lucky I am to be the head of this library.  I am so glad Salve Regina decided to work with RGB and depended on your talent, expertise, and experience.”

David U. Kim
Dean of Library Services
Salve Regina University

Roger Williams University commissioned RGB to design a new main library from the ground up. The building would be the cornerstone of the University’s long-range plan, and would incorporate state-of-the-art technology with a high degree of flexibility.  

RGB’s design solution includes a bell tower marking the center of the coastal campus.  Since its completion, the 55,000 SF, 180,000 volume library has served as the focal element and symbol of identity for the campus.

Built on the historic campus of Brown University, Robinson Hall was the University’s first library building in 1878. Designed by a team of architects and designers that included the Librarian of Congress, its panoptic plan was avant-garde for its time.

This sensitive historic renovation of a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places encompassed the rehabilitation of two wings with code upgrades and period detailing, the construction of two new entrances, complete restoration of the exterior and the incorporation of new faculty and graduate student offices.

“I would not hesitate to recommend RGB, especially for projects involving renovation or restoration of an existing building,” - Carol Wooten, Former Director, Planning and Construction, Brown University.

This 26,000 square foot addition and 18,000 square foot renovation offers a dramatic entrance into the campus main classroom and science building.  The project responds to the tremendous increase in student population and the demand for more and more modern classrooms, science labs, library resources and faculty office space.

The new canted glass entrance creates a dramatic gateway into the building and a strong visual access through to the main rotunda, the heart of the building and more importantly the heart of the campus.

The buildings use of materials and scale provide a design solution that is contemporary yet fits harmoniously within the campus. 

RGB designed this $7 million design/build project in partnership with Gilbane Building Company, which entered construction in mid-2013. The project is sited in Newport, Rhode Island and seeks to achieve net zero energy usage. The plans include the use of energy saving measures in conjunction with energy producing photovoltaics to achieve this goal. The MET is a network of six small, public high schools located in Providence and Newport, Rhode Island. With high standards and strong family engagement, the MET brings an individualized learning approach to unlock students’ passion for learning.

RGB's Higher Educational Group has a portfolio in academic design of college & university facilities that spans its' 64 year long history.  RGB's scope of services range from master planning and feasibility studies to new construction and renovations/additions of libraries, residence halls, athletic centers, art centers, science facilities, student dining facilities, student centers, specialty classroom designs, lecture halls and administrative buildings and spaces. In addition to the projects listed on the main academic page, some of our other projects/clients include:

• Fairfield University, New Residence Hall, Fairfield, CT
• Salve Regina, New Residence Hall/Additions to residence halls/New Wellness Center, Newport, RI
• Salve Regina, New Wellness Center, Newport, RI
• Brown University, Providence, RI
• RI College, STEM Project/Yellow Cottage/Student Union/Art Center Study/Grab & Go Dining, Providence, RI
• Providence College New Residence Hall/Dining Facilities/Athletic Center, Providence, RI
• University of RI, Library/Science Building/Residence Halls/Engineering Buildings/Nursing School,  Kingston, RI
• Central Connecticut State University, New Residence Hall, New Britain, CT
• University of South Florida, Hazardous Waste Storage Facility/Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Laboratory/Engineering Research Facility/ Environmental Toxicology Laboratory , Tampa, FL

We understand the issues relevant to K-12 educational facility renovations and new additions including sustainable design, safety and security measures, accessibility, energy efficiency and social interaction spaces. This knowledge and years of experience has led to many successful Master Plans for public and private schools systems including:

• LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
• St. Mary Bay View Academy, East Providence, RI
• Smithfield Public Schools, Smithfield, RI
• North Smithfield Public Schools, North Smithfield, RI
• Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, RI
• Cumberland Public Schools, Cumberland, RI
• North Kingstown Public Schools, North Kingstown, RI
• Portsmouth Public Schools, Portsmouth, RI
• Burrillville Public Schools, Burrillville, RI
• Norwich Free Academy, Norwich, CT

The “Road Maps” we developed for all these Towns and Schools provide clear and concise plans for the next 10+ years in school development and facilities improvements.