Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School
Arora Engineers (Arora) partnered with KSS Architects to lead the mechanical design for the School District of Philadelphia’s Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin project, replacing an aging facility with a new 87,904 SF, state-of-the-art middle school in Port Richmond. Developed by Mosaic Development Partners and constructed by Keating, the project delivers a modern, student-centered learning environment aligned with the District’s design standards.
Arora’s scope included mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire life safety, and special systems design, supporting flexible, technology-integrated spaces and high-performance building systems. Key elements included high-efficiency HVAC systems, energy modeling, structured cabling aligned with SDP standards, and integration of security systems and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) for first responders.
Through integrated design and coordination, the project achieved LEED v4 BD+C: Schools Gold Certification, delivering an 18% reduction in energy use, 5 million gallons of annual water savings, and 58% daylight autonomy in learning spaces. These strategies enhance occupant comfort, improve indoor environmental quality, and support long-term operational efficiency.
The result is a sustainable, adaptable learning environment that supports student success while advancing the School District’s commitment to healthier, more resilient schools.
Read more about the LEED project stats here.
Explore more of Arora’s work in sustainable education design.
