C. MARK OPENSHAW EDUCATION CENTER, UTAH SCHOOLS FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND

Project Confirmation Number:  40673

​​Entry Category: INSTITUTIONAL PUBLIC ENTRIES:
PUBLIC SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, AND TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES

Project Location:           
1655 East 3300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106

Brief description of the project:
Architects designed and programmed this Salt Lake Center for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, a new facility providing education, therapy, and services for varying levels of sensory, behavioral, physical, and cognitive abilities.

Size of Building:
50,000 Square Feet

Amount of Masonry Used (include all types and number of units): 
4500 8 x 2 1/4 x 16" Quartett Atlas Structural brick
78,000 Emperor Brick
2,400 Emperor Thin Brick
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Project completion date: 2017

Explain the project and its unique use of masonry materials and techniques:
Providing navigational points of reference and clear wayfinding in and out of the building became a necessary design concept when developing the form and selecting materials. An overall canvas of light-colored brick is highlighted with high contrast accents of bright red, illuminated features to create landmarks throughout.

The building is a bright, fun, playful place for the full range of occupants including children, parents, faculty, staff, administration, researchers, and clinicians. There’s no reason for schools for the deaf and the blind not to be full of color, movement, texture, and joy!

This facility is home to a diverse list of functions containing: a full size gymnasium with indoor/outdoor performing arts capability; orientation & mobility area; indoor clubhouses containing physical and occupational therapy training; multi-functional kitchen for vocational and life skills training; early childhood classrooms customized for sensory disabilities; Snoezelen room (sensory/light room); enclosed courtyard with children’s playground and sensory/exploration gardens; video conferencing rooms; and of course, lots and lots of storage!
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JACOBY ARCHITECTS
ARCHITECT

JH MASONRY
MASON  CONTRACTOR

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OF UTAH DFCM
OWNER

WADMAN CORPORATION
GENERAL  CONTRACTOR

INTERSTATE BRICK​ 
MAJOR  SUPPLIER
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Click on photos below to enlarge.
Photos provided by
Joe Jacoby