Muncie (Ind.) district elementary school to undergo $8 million renovation

An $8 million renovation project will soon be underway at East Washington Academy in Muncie, Ind.

The project will revamp the school's interior by eliminating the open concept design for a more modern look, reports The Star Press. 

The school opened in 1972 as Washington-Carver Elementary School and closed in 2008. The building reopened a year later as East Washington Academy.

When Washington-Carver opened, it was the first school in Muncie to have an open concept design. The term referred to individual classrooms that were not separated by walls. Schools designed this way often had a learning center or library in the middle and several areas branching off it.

The renovations call for adding walls and doors for each classroom; this will enhance safety and create quieter learning environments.  

An air handling unit will be upgraded to improve the air quality in the building. 

The project is expected to be completed by fall 2022.