Lightweight MCM From ALPOLIC Helps School Campus Expansion
Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity order, DePaul Cristo Rey High School serves one of the most diverse student populations in the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. A private college preparatory high school, ranked in the top 20% by Private School Review, the school’s mission is to make high-quality education accessible to lower income families.
The success of DPCR’s model resulted in a demand for increased enrollment, which in turn necessitated expansion of and upgrades to the original school. The challenge: completing modernization of the campus with minimal disruption of the student body’s needs. The solution: easy to fabricate and install ALPOLIC metal composite materials helped contribute to the process.
Project: DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Cincinnati, OH
Architect: CR Architecture + Design
Fabricator/Installer: ACM Panelworx
Finishes: ALPOLIC® BSX Metallic Silver, CVG Grey
Opening in 2011, DPCR was painfully constrained by its structure, originally built as an elementary school. The school leadership set about the ambitious task to fundraise for necessary modernization. They exceeded their goal in less than two years through the generosity of multiple area businesses and through New Markets Tax Credits.
Plans for the DPCR expansion included a reconfiguration of the campus to add more space for parking, plus construction of a new academic building to replace modular units serving as classrooms. A second permanent structure, the new student center, would hold a gymnasium and cafeteria and provide at-risk students with essential facilities like a food pantry, showers, and laundry services.
An Expanding Campus Expands Educational Possibilities
CR Architecture + Design broke ground on the project with DPCR in 2018. ACM Panelworx fabricated over 20,000 square feet of 4mm ALPOLIC in BSZ Silver Metallic metal composite materials which clad the envelope, roof fascia and soffits of the academic building. Additional MCM covers the columns and the tall canopy at the school’s entrance.
Completed in 2020, this two-year, $21 million project has made a tremendous impact on the community. The project expansion increased enrollment capacity by 25%. Committed to personalized attention for each high schooler, DPCR maintains low student teacher ratios. And following the success of its renovation fundraising, leadership has set a goal to raise money for its Graduate Success Program, helping students continue their education journey in college.
Lightweight MCM From ALPOLIC Helps Expedite Important Projects
For any institution catering to an urban population, it’s crucial for new construction to keep disruptions of day-to-day activities to a minimum. Architects specify metal composite materials from ALPOLIC for their ease of use. Fabricators can cut, roll, bend and punch out shapes in our products within their off-site facilities and easily transport the MCM to the site. ACM Panelworx, using their PX-10 Dry Joint Rainscreen system, helped with the completion of DPCR’s expansion with ease.
Versatility in color selection also plays a significant role in specification. ALPOLIC’s wide range of finishes helps ensure availability of a needed color to finish a project on time. Our partnership with Sherwin-Williams Coil Coating ensures color excellence, and our commitment to using FEVE allows our colors to maintain their beautiful shine for years to come.
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