Educational
Escuela Gautier Benitez
Caguas, Puerto Rico
Architectural restoration/adaptive historic preservation design and supervision services for the José Gautier Benítez High School (1924), located in the Caguas urban center, in Puerto Rico, designated in 1988 as a nationally registered historic structure. The main purpose of the project under the auspices of AFI (Autoridad del Financiamiento de la Infraestructura) was the historical restoration and adaptation of the original historic structure to modern educational standards and needs. The 2 story 20 classrooms structure of 18,600 Square Feet, supports a student population of 600 students. The adaptive restoration included the implementation of ADA accessibility standards and the integration of computer technology, WiFi and ethernet connectivity in all classrooms. Windows and doors were replicated from the original wood detailing of the original plans, in aluminum capturing the spirit of the era. The project was completed in 2015 at a cost of $3.5M.