BBE and American School for the Deaf celebrated the groundbreaking of two new dormitories that will provide residential treatment to children with behavioral and emotional needs who are also deaf, hard-of-hearing, or nonverbal.

The $14-million dorm project will help prepare students for life after graduation, when most will move on to either a group home or independent living. The dorms were designed with a three-pod concept that will split students into communities based on gender, age and need. The single-floor dorms will include kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, as well as sensory rooms for students on the autism spectrum and life-skills centers. The physical design will also enhance communication and supervision by maximizing visibility.

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BBE is serving as the Construction Manager for this project, working alongside TSKP Architects.

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As the deaf culture relies heavily on vision and open sight lines, the dorms' open design concept will allow ASD staff to appropriately supervise students, with plenty of light and windows to allow for open communication. Once construction is complete, the new dorms will house 50 students — bumping overall enrollment in the residential program up to 70.