The Wendell L. Cross Elementary School in Waterbury, Connecticut, was recently extensively renovated and expanded to become a facility designed to serve nearly 700 students from Pre-K through 8th grade. One of the most notable upgrades is the addition of a ballistic-rated security vestibule and transaction window to enhance safety.
Design
U.S. Bullet Proofing provided the security products. Friar Architecture designed the project; while glazing contractor Lockheed Architectural Solutions, Inc. installed the storefronts, curtain walls, entrances and doors. The $34 million project was managed by Newfield Construction, which oversaw both preconstruction and construction phases. The school was also designed to mirror the appearance of nearby Carrington Elementary, complementing the character of its neighboring residential area and seamlessly blending into its surroundings.
This facility serves the Waterbury community and replaces part of the original building, preserving and renovating a small portion of the existing structure. Key additions to the facility include classroom wings, a cafeteria, a media center, and administrative offices.
Enhancing security and integrating ballistic glass
“Features like transaction windows and security vestibules are needed, because if somebody is there for ill intent, the school occupants must be protected,” says Jim Wilson, Project Manager for Friar Architecture. “We also need to keep that person there until the authorities can show up and take over the situation — that’s the start — having a mantrap where they can get in but they can't get out until somebody lets them out.”
Wilson notes that most newly constructed schools in Connecticut now incorporate security vestibules into their designs. “When the Sandy Hook tragedy happened in Newtown, it affected everything in the state immediately. It was a big driver and changed a lot of the code in the state and around the nation.”
While basic security and design elements adhere to minimum code requirements, Wilson says that individual life experiences can influence decisions on additional safety features. “Somebody on the Board of Education might have had an experience where they needed higher ballistic glass; or the opposite, a stakeholder blew their budget on the ballistic glass on a past project.”
The recent incident involving an active shooter in Nashville, who gained access by shooting through a door, has sparked significant discussions about the composition of glass used in secured entryways, particularly in schools.
Wilson explains, “Aesthetically, ballistic glass is not as different as traditional glass.” He notes that while ballistic glass is designed to resemble regular glass in appearance, the primary challenge lies in addressing structural concerns. Due to its significantly heavier weight compared to traditional glass, ballistic glass impacts the structural design more than the overall aesthetics. According to Wilson, the increased weight results in heavier doors, sturdier hardware and higher costs.
A look behind the glass
“The driving force behind the performance level of the security vestibule was the Waterbury School District,” says David Ahles, Project Manager at Lockheed Architectural Solutions, Inc. “It was specified from the beginning and was part of the design of the school.”
Ahles mentions that while the town is generally considered safe, schools still prioritize security. “They want to be able to buzz people in and control access. A security entrance makes that possible,” he says.
Ahles also highlights the distinct design of the ballistic framing in the main entrance vestibule. “The ballistic framing for the main entrance vestibule was unique because it was segmented,” he explains. “You typically don’t see that when it comes to ballistic-rated framing. That was unique to the school.”
Greg Lyon, Field Superintendent at Lockheed emphasizes that security vestibules have become increasingly common. “Security entrances have been growing since Sandy Hook,” he says. “For the most part now, they’re not building a new school without a security vestibule. Sandy Hook was essentially a one-minute response time. The perpetrator shot out a piece of tempered glass and walked into the building. That could have been prevented with security glazing. Even film would have slowed him down and saved lives. When it’s close to home, it stays on your mind and you are going to think differently.”
Installing ballistic glazing
According to Lyon, the primary distinction between installing security glazing and traditional curtain walls lies in the weight. “USBP’s systems are aluminum and look the same, so it is the same theory of installation as a stick-built shear block system, but they’re filled with steel.”
The hardware is also different. While standard curtain walls may utilize tap bolts or small anchors, ballistic systems require significantly larger fasteners, such as ½-inch or ¾-inch bolts. Lyon elaborates, “You go from using your cordless drill to a big, corded tool to put fasteners in. For security reasons, some are much heavier, but it depends on the size and level of protection.”
For installation, glass lifters are often necessary.
Meeting the Demands of Modern Security
For schools like Wendell L. Cross Elementary, modern security features are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. Thanks to the partnership between U.S. Bullet Proofing, Friar Architecture, and Lockheed Architectural Solutions, Inc., the school now benefits from a comprehensive security solution designed to address today’s challenges.
“USBP performed very well,” Ahles says. “The submittal process went very smoothly. There was a change order, and lead times had increased; however, they helped us out. Once it was installed, everybody loved it. USBP provided a great product, and I foresee Lockheed using USBP again on multiple upcoming projects coming up. Security projects are not going to go away.”