This existing school is located on 12 acres in Thurmont, Maryland, approximately 1-1/2 hours north of Washington, DC in rural Frederick County. The existing facility was approximately 80,000 gross square feet with a net to gross ratio of 1.5. The facility previously underwent four phases of construction ranging from the 1920's to the mid 1970's. The majority of the building was two stories with the exception of a one-story wing.

Due to the severe site constraints, the Owner's Program of Requirements (increasing the student capacity in both core and classroom areas from 600 to 900) was accomplished through the design of major renovations of one of the existing school wings and the design of a new second story to be erected over this wing. A new physical education and theater arts wing was also sited directly behind the existing school. A corridor "link" was designed to both connect this addition to the existing school and to accommodate an existing public water and sewer easement. This new wing also serves as an accessible and visually appealing second main entrance to the school as well as the controlled after-hours entrance for community use.

The existing gymnasium was renovated to accommodate the technology education suite, utilizing the existing hard wood gymnasium floors and higher ceilings in these areas. A new addition housing a modern Life Skills Classroom suite was also constructed adjacent to this area.

The remaining areas of the school were modernized, 6 separate houses (2 per grade) were created, and open classrooms were nearly all eliminated to promote a better middle school learning experience for all.