News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
August 29, 2024—Brailsford & Dunlavey joined the Washington, D.C. community in celebrating the start of the school year with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Garfield Elementary School today. The school, a vital part of DC Public Schools’ (DCPS) modernization initiative, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility while honoring its long-standing legacy.
Officials from DCPS, the Office of the Mayor, and the Department of General Services (DGS), which oversaw the renovation program, were in attendance. Brailsford & Dunlavey, which served as the modernization’s project manager on behalf of DGS and DCPS, was represented by Dan Nebhut and Derek Riley.
“[The modernization initiative had] seven schools, and $400 million in investment, which is not happening in other parts of the country,” said DGS Director Delano Hunter in his remarks. “It underscores our city’s commitment to education and early childhood education. It’s something that we should all be very proud of.”
Originally opened in 1882 and named after President James A. Garfield, Garfield Elementary holds a significant place in history as the first public school in Washington, D.C. designed by an African American architect, William Sidney Pittman.
“Brailsford & Dunlavey is deeply honored to play a continued role in the city’s school modernization effort,” said B&D President Will Mangrum about the firm’s 17-year partnership with DCPS and DGS. “This initiative reflects our deep commitment to creating spaces that not only serve educational needs but also inspire the communities they are part of. It is a privilege to contribute to a project that will positively impact generations of students in Washington, D.C.”
