Rutgers Preparatory

The relationship cultivated between Rutgers Preparatory and DIGroupArchitecture began in 1982 with the original Facilities Master Plan. DIG has guided Rutgers Prep through a series of phased projects; The Middle School’s 5,600s.f. addition was constructed to meet increasing programmatic needs. It was designed as a new main entrance to give the school its own identity and contains administrative offices, two general classrooms and two science lassrooms. Subsequent phased projects included the original Music Building, its addition of a Dining Commons, and the impending addition of a Performing Arts Building – all designed to fit together as a joint complex. The two-story Dining Commons expansion project created a lower level with a 350 seat cafeteria including a servery and kitchen, and also helped address enrollment and space needs with 10 classrooms on the upper floor. The building achieved LEED Silver certification. 

Elm Farm, originally constructed circa 1750 and added to in 1850, is a historical structure on the Rutgers Preparatory property, currently being utilized as administrative offices for the school. Going into the project, the intent is to salvage much of the original structure with a preservation approach, in accordance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards. Typical areas of focus were the conditions of the roof, building envelope, windows and doors, and structural elements looking for water infiltration and deteriorated conditions, as well as anything that was added combating the style of the original design. Elm Farm did show to have all of these things throughout, but a revitalization plan was created to restore the structure to its original Shingle Style design.