Leonia High School will be begin construction later this year on a $7.6 million addition to accommodate the growing student population. With efforts focused on reinvigorating the culinary arts program, LAN designed a new state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Lab.
“This is like the Food Network, Leonia style,” said Joanne Megargee, the Leonia superintendent of schools. “Our architects are thrilled.”
The Culinary Arts Lab is equipped with commercial equipment including stainless steel appliances and counters, three compartment sinks, and large ranges with salamanders. The 2,000 square foot culinary arts lab is designed with six individual learning kitchens as well as a large instructional counter with demonstration TV’s hanging above.
“Our goal was to design a space that will be as creative as the dishes they prepare,” says Matt Fink, Design Architect of LAN Associates. “Utilizing the top commercial equipment, combined with a modern design aesthetic, the students are able to jump start their culinary careers in a space that reflects high-end restaurant kitchens”.
The addition to the school is needed as the high school enrollment grows. Since the 1970s, the Leonia school district has accepted students from the Edgewater school district, as the Edgewater school district only educates students through the 6th grade. About 40 percent of the high school’s 575 students are from Edgewater, a number that is expected to grow in coming years.
The Leonia High School addition will include eight classrooms, a small-group instruction room and the culinary arts lab. It will also expand the high school cafeteria, make its theater ADA accessible, and a new courtyard for outdoor instruction. The construction is expected to be completed by September 2018.
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