Howard Middle School Campus Master Plan

The Historic David T. Howard School, constructed in the mid-1920s and located in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood, underwent a comprehensive renovation and redesign by Lord Aeck Sargent in collaboration with Stevens & Wilkinson. This project, part of the Grady Cluster School District, included the historic rehabilitation of the existing structure, integration of multiple additions, and significant site improvements. The design focused on outdoor learning and recreation spaces, including a shade garden and green infrastructure for surface runoff management. The site design also preserved old growth trees and enhanced neighborhood connectivity by creating a new east-west street through the block, separating bus queuing from parent/visitor drop-off areas. Modern additions such as a cafeteria, auditorium, music rooms, and a media center complemented the historical aesthetics, and the project complied with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and underwent the Atlanta Urban Design Commission’s review process. The modernized David T. Howard Middle School campus opened for the 2020 school year, featuring improved pedestrian spaces and connections to the BeltLine Eastside Trail and Freedom Park Trail.