The Lylburn Downing Middle School Addition and Renovations project is a multi-phase project comprised of renovations to the existing middle school, historic Annex and a 20,000 SF addition to the school. This addition will include a new entrance to the school and gymnasium with ornamental cast stone columns. The renovations include the demolition and replacement of all MEP infrastructure and all new flooring, ceilings, paint, ceramic tile, lockers, windows, doors, gymnasium equipment and a new wheelchair lift.

The new addition includes a new cafeteria, cooking kitchen, mechanical room, stage and schools offices.

Outside the school there will be all new parking lots, drop off loop, site lighting and new ball field and basketball court. There are also outside amphitheaters that have been built to allow students to learn while enjoying the beautiful weather in Lexington.

The Annex, which is on the National Historic Registry, will serve as school district offices and a community center. Nielsen was able to save the original wood floors and their reconditioning proved to be one of the more noticeable achievements in the renovation.

Rain gardens, open space maximization, reduced volume plumbing flush valves that will save the school at least 78,000 gallons of water a year, a lighting system that adjust itself to incoming natural light reducing energy costs and a geothermal heating and cooling system that is comprised of 45 wells that are 400 feet deep each are just some of the green aspects of this project.