STV is helping shape the future of education in New Jersey with the completion of bridging designs for two new school facilities – one in Elizabeth and one in Pleasantville.

These projects mark a significant step forward in STV’s long-standing partnership with the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA) and a milestone in the agency’s ongoing effort to provide modern, enriching environments where students can learn, grow and thrive.

“We’re proud to support the NJSDA’s mission to deliver high-quality educational facilities for communities across New Jersey,” said James Sanders, director and New Jersey studio lead at STV. “Our bridging design work provides a strong foundation for each school, grounded in the needs of students and educators from the very beginning.”

Bridging designs are an essential step in transforming a school concept into reality. They provide detailed drawings, specifications and design intent that guide contractors and consultants, while allowing for flexibility in final adjustments during construction. By clarifying materials, layouts and performance standards early in the process, these designs help prevent costly changes later and foster a shared understanding of the project’s goals among all stakeholders.

A New Beginning in Elizabeth

In Elizabeth, STV’s design lays the foundation for a new Pre-K through 8 school that will replace the former Joseph Battin School No. 4, which was closed due to structural issues. The new 139,440-square-foot facility marks a key reinvestment – offering a fresh and thoughtful environment for approximately 970 students.

The school’s program encompasses:

• Seven pre-K classrooms
• 37 K–8 classrooms
• Five special education rooms
• Two art studios
• Three science labs
• A media center with maker lab
• Music room, auditorium and gymnasium
• A full-service cafeteria

STV’s team developed both schematic and bridging design documents that define the vision for the building, including educational specifications, site and floor plans, room-by-room layouts and performance-based requirements aligned with NJSDA Materials and Systems Standards. These elements come together to create the roadmap for final design and construction.

Behind the drawings is a deeper purpose.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our designs create spaces where students will discover new passions and teachers will feel supported,” said Monika Parkitna, RA, LEED AP, senior architect at STV. “We’re translating the aspirations of educators into environments that help learning flourish.”

Architecturally, the school is rooted in its community. Inspired by the brick character of Elizabeth’s historic town center, the design blends masonry, ground-face CMU, precast elements and modern glazing. Two- and three-story classroom wings surround a welcoming Pre-K courtyard, while the gymnasium and auditorium extend toward fields and play areas – spaces that will soon be alive with activity.

Inside, the thoughtful use of color, pattern and wayfinding helps create a sense of identity for each age group within the building. Corridors change in tone and texture as students move from one area to another, creating a school that is supportive of young learners.

A Community Hub for Pleasantville

In Pleasantville, STV’s bridging documents set the stage for an 86,855-square-foot elementary school designed to serve approximately 660 students in grades Pre-K through 5. The two-story facility brings together spaces for exploration, creativity and community connection, including:

• Six pre-K classrooms
• 20 K–5 classrooms
• Four special education rooms
• Dedicated science, art, project and tech labs
• Music room
• Gymnasium and cafetorium

“These schools will be vibrant centers where children grow, families connect and educators inspire,” said Kim Vierheilig, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, president of STV’s Buildings practice. “We’re honored to help bring that next chapter to life for students in Elizabeth, Pleasantville and the surrounding region in New Jersey.”