ESKW/Architects was selected by the New York City School Construction Authority (NYC SCA) to convert a three-story, 30,000 SF parking garage into a 3K public school. Located in Lenox Hill, Manhattan, the brick-clad building dates to 1925 and is roughly square in shape with deep floor plates and limited daylight at the rear. Most of the interiors and exteriors required extensive work to bring them up to code. The landlord, who leased the space to the NYC SCA, provided most of the façade and exterior renovations, including the removal of garage entrances for the new school entrance. At the interior, the existing vehicular ramp and non-compliant stairway were demolished, openings filled, and a new elevator and two stairways installed. Undersized and outdated utility services were also replaced with new electric, water, HVAC, sanitary, and storm systems.

To transform the space into an engaging place for the youngest NYC students, special attention was paid to the design of the interiors, which feature colors and motifs inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Classrooms are located on the upper two floors, with each grade receiving its own accent color. Administrative offices, a medical office, a warming pantry, a community room, and a large exercise space are provided on the ground floor. To accommodate the school population, there is also a secondary exercise room on the second floor.