St. Mary School: A Thoughtful Renewal Rooted in Community, History, and Learning
For more than a century, St. Mary School has played a vital role in the fabric of the German Village community, serving generations of students and families with a strong foundation in faith, education, and service. As enrollment grew and educational needs evolved, the school recognized an opportunity to reimagine its campus — not by abandoning its historic roots, but by thoughtfully building upon them.
MKC Architects partnered with St. Mary School to deliver a renovation and addition that supports contemporary learning while honoring the school’s legacy and its relationship to the surrounding neighborhood. The result is a revitalized Pre-K–8 campus that balances history, function, and community connection across approximately 40,000 square feet.
Design with Respect for Place
Located in the heart of German Village, St. Mary School sits within a context defined by architectural character, walkability, and deep community pride. From the outset, the project team prioritized a design approach that would respect the neighborhood's scale, materiality, and rhythm while addressing the practical needs of a growing school.
Exterior improvements and additions were carefully integrated to complement the existing building, maintaining the school’s recognizable presence within the community. The design reinforces a sense of continuity — signaling that while the campus has evolved, its role as a neighborhood anchor remains unchanged.
Supporting Modern Learning Environments
Inside the building, the renovation focused on creating flexible, student-centered spaces that reflect how education is delivered today. Classrooms were reconfigured to support collaboration, adaptability, and varied learning styles, while circulation areas were transformed into active learning zones rather than pass-through hallways.
A key feature of the project is The Hub, a central collaborative space designed to foster interaction, creativity, and shared learning. Serving as both a functional and social heart of the school, The Hub encourages students to connect across grade levels and disciplines, reinforcing a sense of curiosity and community.
A Campus Designed for Connection
Beyond classrooms, the project emphasized spaces that strengthen relationships — between students, faculty, families, and the broader community. Heritage Hall, a multi-use gathering space, was designed to support assemblies, performances, and community events, reinforcing the school’s role as a place of connection and shared experience.
These spaces were intentionally designed to be welcoming, durable, and flexible, allowing the school to host a wide range of activities throughout the academic year and beyond. By prioritizing communal areas alongside instructional spaces, the project reflects the understanding that education extends beyond the classroom.
Phasing with Purpose
Like many faith-based and educational institutions, St. Mary School required a carefully phased approach that allowed the campus to remain operational throughout construction. The design and construction process accounted for ongoing school activities, safety, and scheduling, minimizing disruption while maintaining momentum toward long-term goals.
This phased strategy supported responsible stewardship of resources and allowed the school community to experience progress incrementally — building excitement and engagement as new spaces came online.
Architecture in Service of Mission
At its core, the St. Mary School project is an example of architecture serving mission. Every design decision — from space planning to material selection — was guided by the school’s values and commitment to nurturing the whole student.
By blending historic context with contemporary learning environments, the renovated campus provides a setting where students can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. It also reinforces the school’s long-standing presence in German Village, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of the community for generations to come.
First Floor
Second Floor
A Lasting Investment in Community
The completed renovation and addition stand as a testament to what’s possible when design is rooted in listening, partnership, and respect for place. St. Mary School’s renewed campus supports today’s educational needs while honoring its past — creating a lasting investment in students, families, and the surrounding neighborhood.
MKC Architects is proud to have partnered with St. Mary School on this meaningful project and to continue supporting institutions that shape communities through thoughtful, purpose-driven design.