Dike-New Hartford School Renovations

Project Overview

Emergent Architecture partnered with the Dike-New Hartford Community School District to lead comprehensive school renovations guided by a long-term, community-driven master plan. Serving both the Dike and New Hartford campuses, the project focused on modernizing facilities, improving safety, and creating flexible learning and athletic environments that support students, educators, and the broader community.

The planning effort began with a detailed evaluation of all district facilities, examining educational adequacy, building conditions, site access and circulation, safety and security, and athletic needs. This foundational work established a clear understanding of priorities and opportunities, setting the stage for a master plan designed to serve the district for decades.

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The Project Team

Jesse Lizer

Managing Principal, Principal Architect

Nick Nugent

Director, Studio Lead

Interior school commons with blue seating, exposed structure, and “Wolverine Pride” graphics at Dike-New Hartford Middle School.

Students sitting and working in a bright school entry corridor with glass doors, natural light, and Dike-New Hartford branding on the floor.

Interior view of the Dike-New Hartford High School gymnasium featuring blue bleachers, a polished wood court, and school branding along the back wall.

52,700 SF

Addition
105,400 SF

Renovations
$16.5 Million

Project Cost

From Vision to Reality

Collaborative Planning Process
A committee of community stakeholders worked closely with Emergent throughout the planning process, ensuring transparency and shared ownership in shaping the future of the district. Emergent facilitated a series of workshops and meetings to discuss long-term educational strategies, enrollment trends, growth considerations, and community engagement.

In parallel, district administrators collaborated with the design team to define goals related to programming, staff efficiency, student-centered spaces, security improvements, site organization, and athletic facilities. This inclusive process resulted in a unified master plan that balanced educational goals, operational needs, and fiscal responsibility.

From Master Plan to Bond-Funded Improvements
The master plan advanced to a successful bond referendum approved by voters in March 2020, providing funding for a comprehensive addition and renovation project across both campuses. Construction began in February 2021 and was completed in time for the Fall 2022 school year.

At the Dike campus, improvements included a new front-facing addition with a secure main entrance, administrative offices, an art studio, and additional classroom space. A new events entrance on the east side of the high school provides improved access to the existing auditorium, concessions, and restrooms. A major athletic addition introduced a competition gymnasium, weight room, and locker rooms. Interior renovations delivered a new life sciences suite, collaborative learning spaces, and extensive upgrades to casework, finishes, HVAC systems, and lighting throughout much of the elementary and high school.

At the New Hartford campus, Dike-New Hartford school renovations included a new wrestling room, expanded preschool classrooms, a secure main entrance and office area, and upgraded finishes and building systems.

Project Impact
The project delivered approximately 52,700 square feet of additions and 105,400 square feet of renovations. With a final construction cost of $15,999,310, the work was completed under the original budget and without non-owner generated change orders.

The Dike-New Hartford Community School District project demonstrates how thoughtful master planning, strong collaboration, and community trust can transform educational environments. The completed renovations provide safe, flexible, and future-ready spaces that support learning, athletics, and community pride for years to come.

They listened to us. They were really patient with us; very much focused on what’s best for D-NH.