Neuse Charter School Recognized For Architectural Design

Design Development Architects of Raleigh has been awarded “Outstanding School Design 2018” for two of their recent educational projects by American School & University, a premier publication celebrating the best in educational design on a national level.Neuse Charter School’s High School in Smithfield, and East Wake Academy’s Middle School in Zebulon were the only North Carolina schools to receive this recognition in 2018. Architect Jonathan Medlin, AIA/LEED AP, was the lead designer on both projects.

Neuse Charter’s High School building was constructed as the anchor project to this growing campus. It’s position at the front of the 26-acre site presents a fresh, contemporary face to welcome the community. The building design focuses on energy efficiency, well day-light spaces, and an architectural palette that parallels the higher education goals the school is aiming to promote. During a private tour, NC Senator Richard Burr commented, “I’m blown away… this looks like a higher education building … This is one of the great success stories of the State.” Other recognitions include: NC School of Distinction, and NC Honor School of Excellence.

“We are extremely proud of the association with Architect Jonathan Medlin and the Design Development Architect Team,” stated Neuse Charter School Facilities Chairman – Lee Jackson. “From day one, Design Development Architect President Jim Sherrer and Jonathan worked with the board of directors, school administration and Durwood Stephenson and Associates to assure that Neuse received a state-of-the-art facility that was within our budget and completed on time. We are confident that this facility will serve as an educational beacon in Johnston County for years.”

Neuse Charter School will be featured in the American School & University Architectural Portfolio issue in late November 2018.

Neuse Charter School is a public, free-tuition school open to any child who is a legal resident of North Carolina. Located at 900 Booker Dairy Rd, Smithfield NC, the school’s mission is to provide a challenging learning environment, to keep expectations high and to make sure all students achieve their maximum potential. The school was charted in 2007 and offers grades K-12 and has an enrollment of approximately 950 students.

“This outstanding recognition exemplifies determination, sacrifices, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” states NCS Treasurer – Rodney Dunn. “Charter schools do not receive any money directly to purchase land or build buildings for our students. We must be able to provide facilities and operate the school on the base allotment we receive from the State and County funds,” continues Dunn. “We are currently working hard to raise money to help construct our next building that will provide our elementary and middle school students with a permanent home on campus. If an individual or company would like to help us by providing a direct tax deductible donation please contact us at 919-626-2300 or visit the school’s website.”

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

Our cookout lunch seemed such a small expression of gratitude in comparison to the amazing changes, upgrades and hard work involved in this renovation. We all love our new look and feel!! The patients also comment on how beautiful our unit is and those who have been here before report the environment is so much better now for their healing.

I cannot emphasize enough how intensely your Teams worked with my Behavioral Health Team to ensure safety and minimize disruption to patient care, therapy programing and work flows during this challenging metamorphosis. No one can appreciate how difficult it is to work around behavioral health patients who move freely in the workspace unless they have actually done it. Some of our patients are very sick and some are dangerous to themselves and others. At no time did your workers discount this. They were always receptive to this necessary collaboration. You all made it work and we kept our patients safe. What an accomplishment!!

Now we have all created a bit of a legacy here and I am extremely proud to have been a part of our project. Many thanks to each of you and your Teams!!

With sincerest and utmost appreciation and respect,

Shelly and the Behavioral Health Team

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

Shelly L. Malone, MSN, RN-BC
Director, Behavioral Health Services
Johnston UNC Health