A special purpose school serving children with communicative disorders and other sensory needs, Magnolia Speech School in Jackson, MS was in need of a new facility to expand services to reach more children. Working closely with various stakeholders, Mackey Mitchell designed a new 30,000 SF school that will provide Magnolia Speech School with modern spaces designed for enhanced learning. In addition to traditional school needs, the new facility will also include an outpatient clinic and Multi-purpose Room.
Shape
MMA started the process by conducting meetings with key stakeholders, teachers, and therapists at the school to gather information about instructional needs, teacher wishes, and their vision for the future of the school. A program was then developed that divided the facility into three, efficient wings that creates protected exterior spaces that can be used as play spaces and outdoor classrooms. The north wing is comprised of 13 classrooms, an Art/Music room, a Computer Room, and a “glassy” Library that is nestled into the existing tree line to create a “treehouse in the woods.” The central wing houses the administrative offices, main entry lobby, and clinic, and the south wing is made up of the Lunch Room and large Multi-Purpose Room.
Inspire
MMA is honored to be a part of this project that will allow Magnolia Speech School to continue serving students with communicative disorders for the next 50 years. “The Mackey Mitchell team was our partner in this important task,” Valerie Linn, Executive Director of Magnolia Speech School, said. “We appreciate their patience with all our questions and ideas as we moved through the design of our new school. They recognized the uniqueness of our students and we truly feel they are a part of the Magnolia Speech School family.”
Along with their unique knowledge and expertise, the Mackey Mitchell team has been collaborative and remarkably responsive.
