California School Showcases Modernization

Solana Highlands Middle SchoolSolana Highlands Elementary School in the Carmel Valley (California) recently enjoyed the completion of a full refresh and modernization. The structure has served students for 30 years, and with the passage of the Solana  Beach School District’s Measure JJ School Bond, has been updated with modern HVAC, exterior renovations, and classroom spaces, among other elements.

Some of the additional steps taken include the removal of steps and lowering of fixtures to make the school more ADA-compliant.  Students will also benefit from an updated outdoor lunch shelter and indoor service area, and the addition of astroturf to the outdoor play area. Staff will enjoy a larger teacher’s lounge and the addition of more storage space.

The project was started in June, and a majority of the work was completed by the time school began. An official ribbon-cutting celebration will take place in mid-January 2018, showcasing the updated space during an all-school assembly.

Featured

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • Massachusetts K–12 District Selects Architect for New Junior High

    Swansea Public Schools in Swansea, Mass., recently announced that it has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design a new junior high school for the district, according to a news release. The firm will create the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design for Joseph Case Junior High School after a lengthy selection process by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).