Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

California District Breaks Ground on Total Campus Replacement

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/14/23

The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) recently reached the groundbreaking milestone for a total campus replacement project for an elementary school in San Pablo, Calif. The new Lake Elementary School will have the capacity for almost 500 students between transitional kindergarten (TK) and sixth grade, according to a news release. The district is partnering with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects for the building’s design and Alten Construction Inc. for construction.

“We are thrilled to see our community and faculty vision come to fruition, said WCCUSD Superintendent Dr. Chris Hurst. “We have long sought a campus that enhances Lake Elementary School’s educational programs, supports the needs of the community and will be a source of pride for students, parents, and staff. We are grateful to partner closely with our project team, whose guidance and expert knowledge has been instrumental in navigating complexities while remaining on budget.”

According to the news release, the new facility’s front entrance will contain administrative offices and the school library, which will play home to community events on nights and weekends. Students in first through sixth grade will be based out of learning suites that consist of individual classrooms that open into a larger, communal space. Kindergarten and TK classrooms will be separated from the older grades and share outdoor play areas. The new campus will also feature a multipurpose building with space for food service, indoor and outdoor eating spaces, and space for performances.

“We’ve collaborated closely with the district to cultivate an entirely reimagined Lake Elementary School campus—one that will support and advance the school’s needs beyond that of the old classroom walls,” said QKA Principal and CFO John Dybczak. “Our trusted design-build partnership with Alten Construction was invaluable as we navigated the serious challenges associated with demolishing and rebuilding a school campus while prioritizing safety and uninterrupted learning throughout the process.”

Sustainability features include a cool roof and architectural materials and finishes made up of recycled content. The building also features energy-efficient MEP equipment like LED lighting and low-flow plumbing. The outdoor spaces make use of drought-tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf, and shade coverings for outdoor dining and playgrounds to reduce water use.

Construction will take place in two phases and has an estimated completion date of summer 2025.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

    Minnesota District Completes $49.7M Addition, Renovation Project

    St. Paul Public Schools in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $49.7-million addition and remodeling project at two district schools, according to a news release.

  • College of the Desert Hits Construction Milestone on New Campus

    College of the Desert recently announced that the construction of its new Palm Springs Campus in Palm Springs, Calif., recently reached a major construction milestone, according to a news release. The college is partnering with general contractor C.W. Driver Companies, which recently “topped out” the facility by placing the final beam in its structure.

  • Northeastern University Breaks Ground on New Housing Community

    Northeastern University recently announced the groundbreaking of a new student housing community on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The university is partnering with American Campus Communities (ACC) for development of the project, which will have the capacity for 1,200 students and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.

  • Harvard Announces Replacement Facility for Native American Program

    Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction will begin this spring on a new home for its Native American Program, according to university news. The 6,500-square-foot, all-electric building will stand three stories and serve as the central hub for the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP).