Go on a hard hat tour of Malcom X Elementary

Modernization project spans 85,000 square feet combining old and new

Last month, a couple of B&Ders took us on a tour of the exciting progress underway at Malcolm X Elementary School in Ward 8—and the evolution of the campus is nothing short of inspiring. The modernization spans approximately 85,000 square feet and blends the renovation of the existing facility with brand-new construction. Across the site, students and educators will soon enjoy ADA-accessible pathways, a new playground, garden, enhanced hardscape and landscape features, and even an outdoor classroom designed to spark creativity and connection.

The tour features our very own Rowan Alkaysi and Derek Riley, who are helping lead this impactful effort. Click below to join them on the tour.

Go on the tour

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: TIME CAPSULES IN K12 SCHOOLS

Photos courtesy of the 21st Century School Buildings Program

Rediscovering the past, inspiring the future

How Baltimore City schools turned time capsules into community connection

Baltimore’s school modernization program uncovered more than upgraded buildings; time capsules found in aging campuses sparked powerful connections between past and present. As B&D's Bolu Adeniran reports, the firm's Communications & Public Engagement team created a framework to help schools preserve artifacts, share community stories, and build new capsules for future generations. Click below to read the full case study.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Photo by B&D

Moving beyond outreach

Why organizations need an engagement scale to guide their strategy

Organizations often struggle with public engagement because they jump straight to tactics without aligning on intent. In our latest essay, Rob Nelson, Jr., B&D’s communications and public engagement manager, explains how engagement scale helps teams clarify their purpose, visualize options, and adapt strategies as projects evolve—ultimately strengthening community trust and improving outcomes. Click below to read the full piece.

ASK THE EXPERT

Kate Acker makes mission-aligned implementation work

Veteran civil engineer and implementation specialist Kate Acker shares how thoughtful planning, early community engagement, and honest communication can turn complex projects into smooth, mission-aligned successes. Click below for her full interview and read her insights on what truly makes implementation seamless.

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The B&D Perspective explores key challenges and innovative solutions shaping facility planning and implementation in the K-12 and municipal sectors. It is published monthly by Brailsford & Dunlavey, one of the country's leading development advisory and program management firms. To learn more, go to bdconnect.com/k12-municipal. To view career opportunities at B&D, go to bdconnect.com/careers. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, please click "Unsubscribe" below.