About Old Redford Academy

Old Redford Academy (ORA) is a public charter school serving students in Detroit, Michigan.  As a result of their innovative approach to education, curriculum, and commitment to the personal development of students, ORA has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade.  Led by Mr. Melvin Smith, ORA is built around his vision of a school that strives to educate the "whole child", addressing the child's emotional, intellectual, physical, social, and psychological aspects of life and development.  This innovative education approach has been proven as the school's enrollment has grown to over 1,600 students with a graduation rate of nearly ninety percent.

Their Need

A repeat customer of Whitley Manufacturing, Old Redford Academy chose to partner again with Whitley Manufacturing and Innovative Modular Solutions to construct a two-story, masonry-clad addition to their existing 56,000 SFT multi-story permanent modular school building.

Our Modular Building Solution

As with all ORA's facilities, the design, finishes, and specifications needed to reflect the school's commitment to excellence, quality, and sustainability.  The building is framed with high-recycled content steel with cementitious sub-floors poured over steel decking at the site, providing a solid platform underfoot.

Ceramic and quarry tile wainscot clad walls were installed efficiently at the factory, as well as the full-height ceramic in the restrooms.  A reflective white "cool roof" membrane reflects sunlight and improves energy efficiency.  The highly efficient HVAC system features ERV units to recover energy, CO2 sensors, and HCFC-free refrigerants to insure healthy indoor air.  Occupancy sensors are incorporated into the lighting system to reduce energy useage, as well.

This modular charter school addition was presented with Honorable Mention for Education Facilities over 10,000 SFT at the 2012 Awards of Distinction presented by the Modular Building Institute.