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Blackhawk Middle School – Fort Wayne Community Schools

Fort Wayne, Indiana

  • Education
  • K–12

Blackhawk Middle School has stood as a beacon of learning since it was originally built in the early 1970s. Over the decades, though, time had taken its toll, and a comprehensive renovation was long overdue.

Fort Wayne Community Schools chose Elevatus, a long-time architectural partner of the district, to design the transformative renovation of the 117,000 square foot middle school.

Nearly every inch of the school will undergo a rejuvenating touch, marking a significant milestone in its history. Beyond mere aesthetics, the project includes the modernization of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Crucially, the project also ensures compliance with ADA standards, fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

One highlight of the project is the integration of a state-of-the-art studio space tailored to enrich the school’s renowned “mass media” program. By incorporating recording studios, we aim to empower students with cutting-edge tools to explore their creative potential and amplify their voices.

Navigating the complexities of renovating a functioning school demanded meticulous planning and strategic execution. The design team adeptly addressed existing conditions, orchestrating a phased approach to construction that seamlessly integrates with the academic calendar. With eight distinct construction phases, we ensure minimal disruption to the learning environment while maximizing progress.

This renovation transcends mere bricks and mortar; it symbolizes a commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders. By revitalizing the physical space, we lay the foundation for a vibrant educational experience that inspires, empowers, and shapes young minds for years to come.

In partnership with the Fort Wayne Community Schools community, Elevatus is honored to breathe new life into Blackhawk Middle School.

more Education Work

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Blackhawk Christian School

Albion College Dow Recreation and Wellness Center

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If you have questions or want to know what Elevatus can do for you, contact us today!

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Elevatus Senior Partner and Health & Wellness Lead Tom Salzer joined @communityrec’s podcast to talk about the challenges and opportunities in recreation center design, from making the most of a budget to creating spaces that bring people together.

As leaders in this space, we know how a thoughtfully considered, well-designed rec center can positively impact a community.

Have a listen through the link in our bio 🎧
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A little room to breathe.

Large windows connect this lounge to the outdoors, filling the space with natural light and views of the landscape. It creates a calm place to step away, recharge and let a little nature do its thing.

Good design can make room for that, too.
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Designed to see more.

Wide, clear sightlines across housing units make observation easier, smarter, and more efficient.
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More moments to share. More memories to make.

Enriching Communities ⬆
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The town has turned pink. 🎀

For the next month, you’ll see pink ribbons popping up all over Fort Wayne in support of breast cancer research and the people in our community affected by it.

Thanks to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer and Lutheran Health Network for the important work behind Ribbons for Research.
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Architecture is serious business.

Kids and a little NERF warfare help us remember to have some fun along the way.
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Keep what works.

Sometimes the most interesting design details are the ones that were already there. Original industrial hardware from the building’s manufacturing days now adds character to a creative workplace—and a reminder of what this space used to be.

Different purpose. Same bones.
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Made for fast swims. Built around school pride.

📍Adams Central
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Take a blank space, lean into the industrial backdrop, add unique artwork and comfortable seating, and you’ve got a space that keeps you coming back.

📍: Starbucks @ Hilton Fort Wayne, DTFW
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The details are where a space starts to feel like its own.

At the Putnam County YMCA, we made intentional selections throughout the design to give the space character, energy, and a sense of place. From architectural features to lighting and ceiling elements, each piece was considered for how it would work within the larger environment.

It’s these individual choices that bring a design together and give people something to experience as they move through the space.
elevatusarchitecture

They (Elevatus) care about our community. They want it to be a place where there's beautiful spaces that serve the community and meet the needs of the community and we couldn't be more thankful for them and their partnership through this process.

Connie Heflin

Executive Director, Super Shot Inc.

FWCS appreciates the thoughtful approach and client-centered focus that the Education Team at Elevatus brings to the design of our projects. As the modern K-12 environment evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of our students, Elevatus has continued to bring innovative design ideas to the table while maintaining a commitment to quality and long-term sustainability of the built product. The learning environments that we create today will continue to provide well for the needs of our staff, students, and community for many years to come.

Heather Krebs

Capital Projects Coordinator, Fort Wayne Community Schools

I am delighted to express my utmost appreciation for the outstanding work that Elevatus Architecture has done in designing our new central office. Their innovative and thoughtful approach to the project will result in a state-of-the-art facility that exceeds our expectations. Their dedication to creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing space will greatly improve our administrative operations, and their professionalism and timely execution have made this a very enjoyable process. I wholeheartedly recommend Elevatus for their exceptional architectural services and look forward to potential future collaborations with them.

Wayne Barker

Superintendent, Northwest Allen County Schools

Elevatus stays involved throughout the entire construction process. This high level of service is very important to us because things inevitably shift and change despite the best planning. We need them to stay involved so that our budget is not affected. In the end, our projects are delivered on time and on budget and Elevatus contributes to that "now expected" outcome.

Judy Roy

Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, Indiana Tech

Elevatus did an excellent job helping us navigate our project in Huntington, IN and developed architectural plans very timely and with an appreciated attention to every detail. We highly recommend this firm.

Justin Claud, Esq.

Chief Legal Officer, Boca Recovery Center

When our County was looking for an architecture firm to help us with the process of building a new jail, Elevatus was an easy choice for me. This was a project entirely out of my skill set, but I knew we only had one chance to get it right. Their (Elevatus) knowledge and professionalism is unmatched.

Commissioner Theresa Baysinger

Whitley County Commissioner

We have had nothing short of an amazing experience with Elevatus. Their team jumped right in and began planning with us right away, leaving no stone unturned from concept through our current state of approaching SD. Elevatus runs effective, informative and efficient meetings and always follows through with answers to questions that come up during the meeting.

Brandon Penrod, PhD

Chief Financial Officer, Wawasee Community Schools

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Elevatus Architecture

111 East Wayne Street
Suite 555
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

260.424.9080
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