School for Deaf overhaul underway

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island School for the Deaf has broken ground on a $31.3 million, 73,500-square-foot project that includes a renovation of its current gym and locker rooms.
The one-story school, for 168 students from preschool to 12th grade, will have 23 classrooms, including two science labs, the R.I. Department of Administration announced this week. New construction will account for 61,100 square feet and 12,400 square feet will be renovated.
The school also has been designed to qualify for the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s Silver Certification. It will have increased insulation in the walls and roof, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, low-flow plumbing and low VOC finishes. The building is set to use 27 percent less energy than required by building codes and will use 20 percent less energy than the average school in the region.
“I am delighted to have this project underway,” Gov. Donald L. Carcieri said in a statement. “The Rhode Island School for the Deaf is a valuable resource for our deaf citizens and the need for a new building was obvious. I join students and teachers in looking forward to the day that classes will begin in this new building.”
The building also will have classrooms designed “to emphasize visual-based education, enhanced acoustical design criteria, visual communications systems and day-lighting techniques to minimize glare.”
The Rhode Island School for the Deaf, located at One Corliss Park, was founded in 1876 as the Providence Day School for the Deaf. Additional information can be found at www.rideaf.net.