William Beanes Community Center

• Type: New Community Center
• Size/Area: 16,055 SF
• Owner: Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission
• Location: 8108 Diana Drive, Suitland, MD 20746

SEI Architects proudly designed a new 16,055 SF community center in Prince George's County attached to the existing William Beanes Elementary School. The facility is intended to support programs for community groups, particularly the elderly as well as after school activities for students. The center features a lobby, game room, workout room, kitchen, and four multi-purposes spaces which can be opened to create one large space accommodating up to 428 people. The multi-purpose spaces, all of which open to an outside plaza, are anticipated to be used for dance, computer and educational programs, aerobic and fitness instruction, daily gathering for the elderly, summer camps, art room for children and adults, and banquets. The new building is connected to the William Beanes Elementary School gymnasium which was enlarged and renovated to accommodate larger activities and spectator seating for use by both the school and the community center. Outdoor activities were also incorporated into the design through a lighted trail, community garden, outdoor plaza and playgrounds.

The William Beanes Community Center is named for the Prince George’s County revolutionary war doctor whose rescue provided Francis Scott Key’s inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner. Our design has incorporated panels on the exterior of the building as well as a community garden which will both receive independently commissioned public art demonstrating the projects historic inspiration. Additionally, two spaces on the interior have been specifically designed to receive related artwork.