Architect: Cannon Design

The population of students at Niagara Wheatfield continues to grow, and as a result updates have needed to take place to accommodate students. These updates have resulted in expansion of the High School cafeteria space, a new wing for the Middle School and a new administration wing on the High School. In addition, a new busing configuration and new parking and vehicular circulation, along with new pedestrian access into both schools needed to be addressed.

The reconfiguration of the bus circulation allowed for the redesign of the main drop-off space for the High School. With a significant reduction of asphalt pavement, the drop-off is now designated for cars only, allowing our design to reclaim this area for much needed pedestrian use. This new pedestrian plaza provides an alee of flowering trees and benches, as well as sweeping paving patterns that help to make this large plaza feel dynamic but comfortable. A new curved wall for the school sign, a flagpole and a stand of large red oak trees announce the entry to the plaza and school.

The expansion of the cafeteria allowed for the design of a new outdoor dining space within the large courtyard of the High School. The new outdoor dining space acts as expansion of the indoor cafeteria space but is designed for multiple use and functions. The grand stairs, with elevation changes that vary from six inches to thirty inches, allow the space to be used for graduation ceremonies, concerts and theatrical performances as well as for gathering and socializing.