Assembly Resolution No. 367

BY: M. of A. Gunther

CONGRATULATING Middletown High School Innovation
Labs upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Excelsior Award by the American
Institute of Architects, New York State

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavors prove a dedication to the pursuit of excellence in
the education of the youth of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Middletown High School Innovation Labs upon the occasion of
its designation as recipient of the Excelsior Award by the American
Institute of Architects, New York State, to be celebrated on Tuesday,
May 7, 2019; and

WHEREAS, American Institute of Architects, New York State, in
partnership with the New York State contracting agencies, created the
Excelsior Awards to provide a model of excellence for state-funded
building design, professional practice, and advocacy; the projects are a
reflection of the collaborative efficacy of the design and construction
team; and

WHEREAS, Middletown High School Innovation Labs received this award
of merit for its extraordinary architectural design; and

WHEREAS, Classified as high needs and high poverty, the Enlarged
City School District of Middletown was determined to 'build out the
feeling of poverty' and create a larger vision of a high school which
did not feel economically restrained; and

WHEREAS, The project developed a 10,000 square foot, technology
infused, learning commons at the high school's center as well as a
28,000 square foot addition with an innovation space, new entry sequence
and connection to a new classroom wing; and

WHEREAS, The first addition includes a learning commons which
features a range of next generation learning spaces, including a large
innovation lab with a 16-panel viewing screen; student's work can be
projected from the individual stations onto the larger platform for
discussion and collaboration; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, a glass wall between the learning suite and
the corridor creates a gallery space for displaying student work; and

WHEREAS, A second addition created a third-floor innovation space
with break out meeting and small group spaces, a new main entry sequence
and connection to a new classroom wing; the innovation lab also utilizes
glass walls and window walls to create a striking, open, light filled
space; and

WHEREAS, Adjacent breakout spaces feature graffiti walls, desk and
technology space and moveable furniture to facilitate small group
collaboration; and

WHEREAS, The new main entry sequence, positioned directly below the
third-floor innovation space, provides a distinct sense of arrival and
identity while creating a single secure point of access; and

WHEREAS, Instrumental in bringing the Middletown High School
Innovation Labs to fruition was KG+D Architects, Triton Construction,
Gerard Associates, St. Germain & Aupperle Consulting Engineers and
Goldstick Lighting Design; and

WHEREAS, The social value of these dynamic new spaces created
learning environments which reflect the district's investment in each
Middletown student's inherent potential; the renewed and expanded high
school provides a range of advanced and practical education spaces which
will allow students to obtain a competitive edge in the increasingly
competitive global marketplace; and

WHEREAS, The Enlarged City School District of Middletown is proudly
aware of its distinguished past, eager to fulfill its present commitment
to parents, students and the community, and planning with vision and
purpose for the ebb and swell of growth and change it will encounter in
the years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Middletown High School Innovation Labs upon the occasion of
its designation as recipient of the Excelsior Award by the American
Institute of Architects, New York State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Middletown High School Innovation Labs.