Class is in session on Days Park. Elmwood Village Charter School is welcoming students to its new location in the former School 36 on Days Park.
Elmwood Village Charter School (EVCS) and the West Buffalo Charter School were both interested in the former Buffalo Public School that closed in 2009. EVCS gained approval to purchase the site from the City late last year. West Buffalo Charter School will be opening on Lafayette Avenue.
The Days Park school will allow EVCS to expand. With its 2010 charter renewal, the EVCS Board of Trustees elected to undergo a significant expansion by extending its grades served through 8th grade, and by adding a second classroom at every grade level.
The two-story School 36 was built in 1956 and has 36,025 sq.ft. of space. EVCS engaged HHL Architects to lead the renovations on their new building, slated for September 2012 occupancy. Exterior work on the building included brick repair, new windows, signage and a new metal canopy over the main entrance.
Elmwood Village Charter School has 13 years remaining on its lease with Savarino Companies for the school's prior location at 124 Elmwood Avenue. The school will keep several classrooms in that building while subleasing space to Autism Services Inc. for school age children programming.
West Buffalo opened their doors to students a few weeks ago. It's been a great addition to the Grant Street neighborhood.