John Bapst Memorial High School (JBMHS) is an independent boarding and day school in Bangor, Maine. The school is home to approximately 500 grades 9-12 students from over 30 different regional communities. Additionally, in the last 10 years, international students from over 16 countries have joined the JBMHS community. In 2014, Bapst introduced its Distinguished Scholars Program in which students have the option to choose an area for intensive study (in STEM, Global Studies, or Fine and Performing Arts). JRA Principal, Jeff Davis has assisted JBMHS with their facility visioning, planning, programming, and re-vitalization needs since summer 2008. Representative projects include:
2008: Planning / Master Planning
2008: Fine Arts Rehabilitation
2010: Dorms for the new International Boarding Program
2011: Science Lab Renovations
2015: New Student Center, New Fitness Center, Auditorium Upgrades
Dorms: In order to provide residential facilities for the newly established international boarding program, JBMHS converted two adjacent historically significant buildings into dorms. Originally purposed for business use, renovation and repurposing of the buildings created residential space for approximately 40 students. Following successful permitting with the local regulatory boards (including the Historic District Commission), major work included life safety upgrades, new fire suppression systems, new toilet/shower facilities, and comprehensive accessibility modifications.
Science Lab: Maintaining the historical setting of academic offerings is a priority for JBMHS. To this end, updates to the chemistry lab included modification/retrofitting of the original casework with current fixtures and equipment to ensure safety and HC compliance.
Auditorium Upgrades/Student Center/Fitness Center: Johnson Roberts Associates worked with the JBMHS to rehabilitate their historically significant auditorium. Additionally, the team rehabilitated a space for the new dining commons/student center. the Mary Ellen and Edward Darling Althletic Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. The 14,000 square foot, $3.8 million facility will be fully operational for the 2021-22 school year. Johnson Roberts Associates partnered with Artifex Architects & Engineers (Bangor, ME) in the design of the Bapst’s first new facility since the construction of their 100 Broadway facility in 1928.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Jeff. Once it’s completed, John Bapst will have the first full-scale gym and fitness center in its 93-year history. Jeff’s collaboration with our local architects and his own creativity have made the process a wonderful learning experience for our school community.”
– Mel MacKay, Head of School