By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Silvia Hoffman, of MKSD Architects, provided information on the exterior design and interior layout of the proposed operations center to the Parkland board at the Sept. 29 meeting.

The project plans to relocate various district departments from the Troxell building, along Cedar Crest Boulevard, to a new 40,000-square-foot facility at 2619 Stadium Drive.

Hoffman commented on the placement and style of the building.

“This is a sloping site with a long, narrow elongated building area,” she said. “The building will also be narrow and elongated.”

She noted architects wanted to create a building which is efficient and functional while also being attractive.

“It has to work in harmony with the features and restrictions of the site within South Whitehall’s requirements,” Hoffman explained.

She added the center should accommodate future growth and support the district’s motto of “Educating for Success and Inspiring Excellence.”

Hoffman said the upper level will consist of glass windows, metal panels and a red screen on the left front with the name of the building in large letters.

The registration office will be inside the front door.

The upper level will include offices for food service, school services, technology, and shared spaces for conferences, lunch and copying.

The concrete lower level will have the Parkland logo displayed, and a loading dock for deliveries.

An interior elevator or a long walkway with steps on the outside can be used to go from one level to another, as well as inside stairs.

A technology work area where computers can be delivered and repaired is on the lower level, as is a food storage section for dry products and a freezer.

The remainder of the ground floor includes storage for paper, secure records, props for plays, uniforms, and miscellaneous items.

Board member Rob Cohen offered remarks.

“It’s a very good-looking building,” Cohen said. “I appreciate all the time you spent working with department heads on this.”

A question arose over the small size of the upper level parking lot which will be used by the public to sign up their children.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson explained parents need an appointment to register, so there are not many people arriving at any given time.

Hoffman provided a closing observation.

“This is all custom designed,” Hoffman said.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with everyone in the district.”

“It’s been a very collaborative effort,” the superintendent added.