Cumberland County · Lower Allen Township · #3040
Allen Middle School
Lower Allen Township, PA · 62,000 sq ft non-residential, school
About this project
Allen Middle School in Lower Allen Township will receive new building additions, renovation of the existing building, a new bus loop off Little League Drive, and an updated parent drop-off loop. The project totals about 62,000 sq ft and includes new stormwater facilities.
Official description: The project proposes the construction of new building additions, renovation of the existing building, a new bus loop from Little League Drive and an updated parent drop off loop. New stormwater management facilities are proposed to address the increase in runoff.
The full picture AI research · Nov 1, 2026
West Shore School District plans to expand and renovate Allen Middle School in Lower Allen Township. County records describe new building additions, renovation of the existing building, a new bus loop off Little League Drive and an updated parent drop-off loop. The project totals about 62,000 square feet and includes new stormwater facilities, which are systems that collect and manage rainwater runoff.
The school district's materials place the work in a multi-year plan for 2026-2028. They estimate the total cost at roughly $60 million. While the building is under construction, Allen students are being moved to Cedar Cliff High School and New Cumberland Middle School. The district expects Allen to reopen in fall 2028.
No opposition was found in the sources reviewed. No township hearing or meeting record specific to this project turned up in the search either.
What it could mean nearby
- A new bus loop off Little League Drive and a reworked parent drop-off loop should change how buses and cars enter and leave the school. This could move some pickup traffic away from other streets.
- Construction will likely bring trucks and noise to the area through about 2028.
- New stormwater facilities are meant to manage rainwater runoff from the larger building and paving.
- Allen students are attending other schools during construction, so traffic will shift to those sites.
Where it stands
The county's latest filing is dated July 2025, and the district's materials place construction in 2026-2028, so the plans appear to have been through review. No township approval record was found. After approval, the usual next steps are building permits, construction and a final inspection before reopening.
- Sep 2028 Allen Middle School is expected to reopen after the renovation, according to local reporting.
- Jan 19, 2026 The school district announced that Allen students would be split between Cedar Cliff High School and New Cumberland Middle School during renovations.
- Jul 2, 2025 Latest county planning filing for the project.
Want to weigh in? The West Shore School District board makes decisions on this project, and Lower Allen Township reviews the land development plans. Residents can comment at public meetings of either body.
Who's behind it
West Shore School District · The public school district that serves the West Shore area of Cumberland County and is carrying out a multi-school facilities plan that includes closing New Cumberland Middle School.
Around the web
- West Shore SD announces renovations for Allen MS; plan to relocate studentsLocal 21 News · Jan 19, 2026Reports that renovations begin in 2026-2027 and that students will be split between Cedar Cliff High School and New Cumberland Middle School.
- Fall 2024 Points of PrideWest Shore School District · Sep 1, 2024Places the Allen Middle School additions and renovations in Phase 3 of the district's plan (2026-2028), at about $60 million.
- West Shore School District welcomes back studentsabc27Reports that eighth graders started the year at Cedar Cliff High School and that Allen is expected to reopen in fall 2028.
Planning terms explained
- Land development
- A township review of building additions, parking, driveways and similar site changes.
- Stormwater facilities
- Basins, pipes or other features that collect and slow rainwater runoff from roofs and pavement.
- Feasibility plan
- A district study that sets out which school buildings to renovate, expand or close, and in what order.
Researched by AI from public sources on Nov 1, 2026. It can make mistakes, so check the linked sources and the municipality before relying on it.
Scope estimate for contractors
Estimated construction value: $21.7M
- ~310 roofing squares (assumes 2 stories)
- ~155 tons of cooling (rule of thumb 400 sq ft/ton)