LAMB's Permanent Home:  1375 Missouri Avenue, NW

To secure a permanent home for the school and to accommodate the increased enrollment of students, LAMB's Board of Directors and staff began the search for an appropriate facility in 2002. After much exploration, deliberation, and research, LAMB leased, with an option to buy, the old Military Road School located at 1375 Missouri Ave., NW.  In the fall of 2006, LAMB moved in! 

History

The Military Road School opened in 1864 and served as one of the first schools for freedmen in the District of Columbia. For many years, it was the only school for African-Americans in a large portion of upper Northwest DC and is listed on the DC Inventory of Historic Sites.  The building was designed by city municipal architect Snowden Ashford.   

The Building

The building has three levels with a gross square footage of about 8,940 feet.  It is constructed of brick, has 20-foot ceilings, huge floor to ceiling operable windows and room for at least four large classrooms, plus additional office and multi-purpose space. 

LAMB has upgraded the sprinkler system, abated lead, restored all the windows, and demolished interior walls that are not historic to the building.  The electrical, heating and plumbing systems were overhauled, and new safety doors, hand railings, safety glass and other modern features were added.  Each classroom has its own sink and restroom. 

The Outdoor Playspace

Thanks to a grant from KaBOOM! and a generous partnership with Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc., a new playspace was constructed on September 9, 2006.  The playground meets ADA and safety standards and requirements and uses quality, state-of-the-art materials.  Benches, planters, picnic tables for an outdoor classroom/cafeteria and a peace pole were constructed as well. 

The Future

Ultimately, LAMB seeks to add a new wing, creating a state-of-the-art facility sufficient to house a new generation of learners seeking the benefits of a public education.   The wing will provide more classroom space, a music and science room, a library and more multipurpose space.  Projected figures for the new wing are approximately $4,000,000 to $5,000,000.

Sustainability and a Healthy Indoor Environment

LAMB is committed to making the Military Road School building as healthy an environment as possible. To that end, LAMB has received a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to implement its Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools program at LAMB and at other charter schools in the city.  LAMB’s school building will be a model for good indoor environmental practices, such as using green products, monitoring the building envelope for water intrusion to avoid mold, and making sure that fresh, filtered air is abundant.  In addition, LAMB wants to lower its impact on the earth’s footprint by using sustainable building practices and materials.