Building on a streak of successful educational infrastructure projects, DMR Architects has announced it was awarded two landmark design-build contracts for new public schools in Elizabeth and West New York.
The projects, totaling nearly $169 million in combined investment, represent the continued momentum of the “design-build” model in New Jersey. Under this framework, DMR Architects will partner with Terminal Construction Corporation and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA) to streamline delivery and unify design and construction under a single point of responsibility.
Both projects aim to address critical overcrowding and provide state-of-the-art facilities for growing student populations.
Elizabeth: A $76.8 Million Investment
Spanning 142,000 square feet, the new facility in Elizabeth will be one of the city’s largest educational hubs. Scheduled for completion in 2028, it will accommodate over 900 students with a focus on early childhood and middle school development.
-
Capacity: 7 Pre-K and 6 Kindergarten classrooms.
-
Inclusion: 6 self-contained special education classrooms.
-
Specialty Spaces: 3 science labs, a vocal music suite, and a media center featuring a high-tech makerspace.
West New York: A $92 Million Middle School
The 162,000-square-foot middle school will serve approximately 875 students in grades 6-8. This project replaces outdated infrastructure with a “technology-forward” environment designed for 21st-century learning.
-
Layout: 30 general classrooms and 6 dedicated science labs.
-
Design: Flexible learning spaces and multiple science prep rooms to foster collaborative research.
The awards follow the successful September 2025 openings of two other DMR design-build projects: the Craig Guy Center at Bayonne High School and the Highland Avenue Learning Annex in Wood-Ridge.
The design-build approach has gained popularity following the Design-Build Construction Services Procurement Act of 2021, which allows NJ public agencies more flexibility for projects exceeding $5 million.
“Design-build allows us to accelerate the entire process in ways traditional delivery can’t,” Pradeep Kapoor, president and CEO of DMR Architects said. “With tight timelines, we’re often able to begin critical-path construction months earlier because design and construction happen in parallel.”
Donald Dinallo, president & CEO of Terminal Construction Corporation, echoed the sentiment. “The design-build process is efficient because everyone is working toward the same goal from the start. Decisions are faster, challenges are resolved quickly, and the whole project benefits,” he said.
For communities like Wood-Ridge, the model has already proven its worth. Mayor Paul Sarlo noted that the recently completed Highland Avenue Learning Annex has had an immediate “positive impact” on the district, citing the speed and coordination of the project as essential factors in its success.
Both the West New York and Elizabeth schools are slated to open their doors to students in September 2028.
