How a 1978 School Became a Modern Community Anchor (Without Losing Its Soul)
If you’ve ever walked into a building and felt its history in the walls, the laughter of kids, the memories of families, the pulse of a neighborhood, then you already understand why the Episode 1 of the Building Reuse is Climate Action, a Tangible Remnants limited series sponsored by Quinn Evans
This time, Nakita sits down with architects Tracy Huckle and Katie Lundgren to tell the story of the Marie H. Reed Community Learning Center, a 1978 community school in Washington, D.C. that served everyone: young kids, swimmers, families visiting the health clinic, and neighbors who relied on the onsite daycare and recreation center. But after decades of heavy use, the building needed more than a facelift — it needed a transformation that honored its past and supported the community it still served.
What unfolded was a masterclass in adaptive reuse.
Tracy and Katie walk us through the surprises behind the walls, the challenge of coordinating systems for multiple partners, and the balancing act of creating a space that is both open to the public and safe for students. They share how intentional translation at meetings, small-group discussions, and listening sessions made the community feel truly seen — and how a student-led legacy exhibit helped preserve the school’s story even as the building was rebuilt.
The result? A LEED Gold, award-winning modernization that brought the school back to life as a welcoming, sustainable, deeply loved community anchor.
3 Key Takeaways From This Episode
1. Design only works when the community is part of the conversation.
Providing translation, meeting people where they are, and bringing every partner to the table created trust and ultimately, a better building.
2. Transparency and security can (and should) work together.
From glass walls to controlled entry points, the design team proved that safety doesn’t have to feel restrictive.
3. Preserving history helps communities feel grounded during change.
A student-researched legacy wall and museum-quality exhibit kept the school’s identity visible even as the neighborhood evolved.
Ready to See What’s Possible With Your Existing Building?
If you're a building owner, developer, or simply someone who believes in the power of reuse, you won't want to miss this episode.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Tangible Remnants and dive deeper into how thoughtful design can strengthen communities, honor history, and build a more sustainable future.
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