Flatbush Ascend Middle School Ready for Students

Ascend Public Charter Schools approached us in early 2022 to support their construction and property team in managing their real estate portfolio in Brooklyn.

In August 2023, Flatbush Ascend Middle School (FAMS) became the first of these schools to be completed, a ground-up building eventually serving 480 students. The new facility provides over twenty classrooms, including specialty classrooms for art, science, music, and special education, a full-height gymnasium, cafeteria, and rooftop play.

Upon joining the project team, we charted a new course towards the successful completion of the project. This involved creating and managing a clear execution plan, ensuring careful cost control, and the timely completion of the project.

“Inheriting a challenging situation, DBI exhibited remarkable skill and dedication, efficiently untangling complexities and introducing much-needed clarity into our project. Their friendly yet professional approach played a pivotal role in transforming what seemed chaotic into a streamlined and successful process.” – Dana Evans-Muller, Managing Director of Security, Facilities and Real Estate at Ascend Learning.

Excitingly, FAMS represents the inaugural application of Ascend’s new branding and updated finishes palette, designed by MBB Architects. The palette features multiple light and bright colors selected to foster a dynamic learning environment, an approach we’re supporting the rollout of in another in-progress school. Further enhancing the environment for the students, MBB’s fit-out design integrates numerous benches and nooks, looking to transform each corner of the building into dedicated learning spaces.