Riverdale Country School

Founded in 1907, Riverdale Country School (RCS) is a nationally-recognized, coeducational K-12 institution with two campuses in the Bronx. To improve the physical functionality of its campuses and support long term planning efforts, RCS embarked on an overall planning process to evaluate how its existing facilities were performing against their current pedagogic goals. As a result of this study, several priority projects were identified to move forward.

The projects in development on the River Campus, which houses the Lower School (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Five) facilities, include:

• New Perkins Education Center to provide academic classrooms, the campus’s main library, a multi-purpose theater, student center and cafeteria, administrative offices and other flexible meeting spaces
• New Central Plant to serve the new building, as well as the other existing buildings on campus
• Renovation of Existing K-3 Building to provide upgrades to the Pre-K classroom and introduce an early childhood development library

The site has generous views of the Hudson River and is located within a Special Natural Area District (SNAD).  The design required careful coordination to improve the physical connectivity of the campus while maintaining the beautiful natural surroundings. The projects faced a series of complex phasing and logistical challenges and required planning to allow the school to maintain its day-to-day operations.  The River Campus projects received unanimous Community Board approval.

Role + Responsibilities

Zubatkin assisted RCS in the strategic planning process, identifying critical decision points and options to move forward. Once the priority projects were identified, the Zubatkin team developed a framework for the architect and construction manager selection process, outlining specific design challenges that allowed RCS to more effectively evaluate candidates. Zubatkin helped develop the overall project implementation strategy, including community relations and municipal approvals, and provided the project financial controls, administration and reporting. The In-House Technical Group reviewed the project logistics, phasing alternates, and costs. The firm was also engaged to oversee the design and brought the projects to the start of construction.

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