This former Safeway store in Washington's Anacostia neighborhood proved an unlikely solution to a challenge that charter schools face all too often: simply locating and acquiring a facility that is appropriate for each school.
    Most schools have a central corridor, classrooms on either side and windows in every room. The Safeway had none—only a plate-glass front with a view of the parking lot. Setting out to marry the school's needs to the building's reality, Shinberg.Levinas designed a concept that captured light from above, through huge skylights that bring daylight to every classroom.
    The entire project took a mere 4 1/2 months from schematics to occupancy. We secured the building permit in one week. Our very close collaboration with an excellent team of the client, their facility developer and the contractor, and our relationships with city officials, were critical in this achievement.

"We at SouthEast Academy of Scholastic Excellence Public Charter School are elated with the quality of performance your company placed in the planning and design of our unique school building. The quality of your design demonstrated the exceptional innovations we have to offer to our students in the southeast area. Also, the design of the building sets the tone for the quality of services and school climate that is within its walls. Thank you so much for your creativeness and dedication in the design and the planning of our facility."
Elizabeth S. Smith, Ed.D., Executive Director

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