Germantown Friends School (GFS) recently reimagined the heart of its campus, creating spaces that foster connection, creativity, and community. The new All-School Commons and Abigail R. Cohen Center for the Arts reflect the school’s commitment to providing students with dynamic environments to learn, gather, and grow.
Becker & Frondorf was proud to serve as Project Managers for this transformative effort, which was made possible through close collaboration with an exceptional team including DIGSAU, Leslie Gill Architects, and INTECH Construction as the contractor. Together, we brought GFS’s vision to life with care and precision, creating spaces that reflect the spirit and values of the school community.
Shaping the Future of Campus Life
The project combined 32,800 square feet of new construction with 12,000 square feet of adaptive reuse and renovation, uniting the Smith Gym and the Loeb Performing Arts Center into a cohesive, inclusive, and future-facing hub for the school community featuring:
A new Arts Wing with 12 classrooms for design, music, and computer science, bringing departments together to support cross-disciplinary collaboration
A state-of-the-art photography darkroom and ceramics studio
A makerspace Fab Lab
Student lounges and informal collaboration spaces
Thoughtful site improvements with an emphasis on inclusive, ADA-Compliant design
A central courtyard and Greene Street entrance that strengthen campus and neighborhood connections
Custom furniture crafted from a beloved campus tree, reflecting GFS’s commitment to sustainability
Our Project Management Approach: Adding Value to K-12 Institutions
At Becker & Frondorf, we understand that every school community is unique, and so are its capital projects. Throughout the GFS transformation, our expert project management balanced careful planning with the flexibility needed to address evolving needs. We maintained clear, ongoing communication to keep stakeholders informed and engaged, while proactively resolving any challenges to keep the project on schedule and aligned with the school’s goals. This approach is the foundation of how we add value to K–12 institutions. By combining:
We help schools bring transformative projects to life, creating safe, inspiring, and functional spaces where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. We’re proud to partner with schools like GFS to ensure every detail supports their mission and long-term vision.
Ready to Bring Your Next Project to Life?
Whether you’re planning a renovation, new construction, or adaptive reuse, Becker & Frondorf is here to guide your K–12 institution every step of the way. With our proven expertise in project management, we ensure your project runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and supports your community’s goals.
Connect with us today to learn how our project management expertise can support your next hospitality venture.
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