Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus

Once described as “barely hanging on with duct tape and bubble gum” after years of wear and disrepair, the century-old school was considered by some as too far gone to save. The Blue Hills neighborhood and Hartford Public Schools thought otherwise and MLK stands today like new, a tribute to the persistence, creativity and collaboration of a team determined to deliver a school worthy of the community’s students. 

“They really, really deserve it. They deserve to have something to be proud about in their community.”
– Natalie Langlaise

The Power of Community

When its first occupant, Weaver High School, was relocated in 1974, the building was converted to a neighborhood K-8 school and named for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Over the many decades since, the school underwent changes that obscured many of its most attractive qualities. Meanwhile, Hartford faced declining enrollment and so, as time and neglect took its toll, the school was slated for closure. The community resisted, rallying to protect the beloved landmark. Ultimately, the project received a state con­struction grant.

“Castle on the Hill” Balances Preservation
with Modernity 

Though not officially on the historic register, MLK plays a vital role in Hartford’s North End and was subject to review and approval by the State Historic Preservation Office. Located on a hill overlooking Keney Park, the building’s “Collegiate Gothic” style is now complemented with a 34,000-square-foot expansion. 

The changes made it possible for the school district to introduce both a new learning model and a new elementary program, merging history with a state-of-the-art educational facility for Hartford’s future. Key historical elements that would be impossible to create in today’s construction market were repaired and restored — including terrazzo floors, decorative plaster and masonry facades. The team scoured old yearbooks to match window details, some with stained glass, as close to the original as possible. Modern amenities include a dental clinic, spaces for special education programs, and security features. 

Two for One

The building brings Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School and Breakthrough Magnet School North together on one campus. The schools have distinct and separate circulation but share key core spaces such as the auditorium and media center. A two-story addition includes the middle school dining hall and a multipurpose space that can be transformed into a larger shared space.

Safety first and always

Already on a compressed schedule, the project was further disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. With up to 200 daily workers in all phases of construction at the same time, Downes had the chance to prove that complex health safety protocols are achievable no matter the project size. New policies, including for employee mental health, that were implemented at the MLK job site are now a permanent addition to Downes Safety Manual.

Adversity, what adversity?

Even before the project scope (and budget) expanded to meet rigorous preservation standards, the team had to address strange foundation and hazardous material issues; next the COVID-19 pandemic showed us what disruption really looks like and then a ransomware attack delayed the ribbon cutting ceremony! Still the entire renovation was completed in 16 months and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus now stands as a proud symbol of the Blue Hills neighborhood’s resilience and determination. Hartford residents played an imperative role on our project team. Hartford residents worked over 121,000 hours, more than 26% of manhours, on MLK and the woman and minority worker share exceeded 45%, despite all the project’s other challenges.