The Hackensack Board of Education retained DMR following a failed $170 million referendum by another team. In the five years that followed, DMR supported the district through more than 35 projects, including many that were initially part of the failed referendum.
High School Portico & Security Entrance
In the 1960s, an expansion of Hackensack High School eliminated the main entrance. A new pedestrian bridge, added as part of the project, included large “Hackensack High School” signage, unofficially becoming a visual point of entry. For the next 40 years, no official entrance existed until two, nondescript exterior security doors were designated as the main entrance, but confusion continued.
After another 20 years, DMR was hired to address the issues, adding a security entrance that provided clear wayfinding and enhanced security. An added benefit of the project was creating an identity. At 1,100 SF, the entrance serves like its own space, offering important secondary benefits such as providing a warm welcome and providing a preamble for what to expect inside the facility.
Middle School Field
DMR added a new, 27,000 SF artificial field at Hackensack Middle School, for use by both the school and the Hackensack community. Improvements included the placement of artificial turf, drainage, a new 6’ perimeter security fence, and ADA compliant walkways and bleacher seating for approximately 100 spectators.
Cafeterias at Hackensack High School and Hackensack Middle School
DMR renovated the kitchens and cafeterias at both Hackensack Middle School and Hackensack High School to create spaces that not only operated more efficiently through circulation and layout, but also became places where students wanted to be. The Hackensack Middle School project focused on a gut renovation of the kitchens, and minor updates to the cafeteria. At Hackensack High School, outdated kitchen equipment was replaced, but the cafeteria was the primary focus, since previously students were leaving the building for lunch nearly every day. The designs focused on adding tables of various sizes and heights, and updated grab-and-go areas making it feel more like an exciting food hall.
High School Fitness Room, Field House & Locker Room, and Track
In 2012, DMR completed small renovations to the weight room, addressing HVAC issues, replacing finishes and adding lighting to a small auxiliary area that housed cardio equipment, located up a flight of stairs and on top of a stage. Ten years later, DMR returned to the same area to demolish that stage and bring all equipment onto one floor. New equipment was also added, creating one efficient fitness facility that also highlighted team pride through Hackensack branding.
It became part of an overall investment in Hackensack High School’s athletic facilities and amenities. Under two additional contracts, DMR also renovated the nearby outdoor field house, which includes a coaches’ office and conference room, varsity and junior varsity lockers and team rooms, a therapy room, and the adjacent track.
Nellie K. Parker School Entrance
Given the success of the Hackensack High School security entrance project, DMR was then retained to complete a similar project at Nellie K. Parker Elementary School. The project added a secure vestibule, bullet-resistant glazing, lighting and bollards, and monument signage to ensure the additions instilled pride, not fear.
High School Auditorium
DMR renovated the 4,000 SF auditorium at Hackensack High School to create an exciting central gathering place that could also double as an advanced teaching space. DMR added new stage and house lighting, rigging, seats, finishes, acoustical panels and sound system. ADA concerns, including entrances to the stage and a new sound system with assisted listening devices, were also added.