Spaces4Learning recently launched its 2024 Facilities and Construction Brief Survey, an annual report on the previous year’s construction projects at K–12 and higher education institutions nationwide. The data gathered is essential to creating an accurate industry report that offers a snapshot of current trends in school facilities with minimal time commitment.
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the launch of Smart Filling Bottle Stations, the latest addition to its ezH20 Bottle Filling Station line of products. In addition to providing fresh and filtered water, the units allow facility managers to track a variety of use statistics across each one.
Construction and development firm Skanska USA recently announced that it has completed two projects for Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Fla., according to a news release. The projects include a $47-million campus conversion at Collins PK–8 School and a $12-million upgrade to the athletic complex at Chamberlain High School.
The Elgin Independent School District in Elgin, Texas, recently celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for a new district elementary school, according to a news release. Trinity Ranch Elementary will serve about 800 students in grades PreK–5 and has an estimated completion date of August 2025.
Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it will partner with Marist College to design a new campus-wide master plan for its campus in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., according to a news release. The plan will serve as a blueprint for the Marist 100 initiative, a strategic plan that aligns with the college’s centennial celebration in 2029.
Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMUCT) recently broke ground on a new operational facility for its campus in Killeen, Texas, according to a news release. The Centralized Operational Reliability and Efficiency (CORE) facility will measure in at 36,000 square feet, will cost an estimated $50 million, and has an estimated completion date of spring 2026.
North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., recently announced the completion of three new residential facilities in its new Greek Village, according to a news release. They add a capacity of 279 beds and about 100,000 square feet of living space across three different models. The university partnered with a design team from KWK Architects/Jenkins • Peer Architects on the project.
The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., recently launched a renovation project to restore the historic Scovell Hall, originally built in 1903. The comprehensive rebuild has an estimated completion date of 2026 and will preserve the structure’s north and west entrances. The new facility will cover about 92,000 square feet and play home to administrative services for the university’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), according to a news release.
Data-driven solutions provider Gordian recently released its latest State of Facilities in Higher Education report, which revealed that higher-education institutions ramped up their reinvestment in facilities by more than 26% year-over-year during 2023, according to a news release.
Spaces4Learning recently convened a panel of ed tech experts to discuss how technology and design can help create a better learning experience for all students — and how institutions can plan, design, and assess their own vision for the classroom of the future.
KAI 360 Construction Services recently announced that it has hired a new Senior Project Manager for its office in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, according to a news release. Wenguel Yohannes, AIA, NOMA, will oversee building design and construction program management initiatives across the lifespan of a project while maintaining both high-quality standards and client satisfaction.
Studio G Architects recently announced that a new elementary school in Groton, Mass., has reached the final stage of construction. Florence Roche Elementary School (FRES) will cover about 110,000 square feet and was designed to embody the district’s educational pedagogy of Universal Design for Learning.
HMC Architects recently announced the appointment of three new higher education leaders for its practice in California, according to a news release. James Sink, AIA, LEED AP, DBIA will serve as the firm’s new higher education practice leader, while Christina Mannion and Eric Skiba will serve as Principals-in-Charge.
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 11 to celebrate the opening of a new EdTech Studio on its campus. The space within the Eriksson College of Education will offer technological training for pre-service teachers through the use of virtual reality.
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) recently broke ground on a new athletic center for its campus in Atlanta, Ga., according to a news release. The Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center will measure in at 100,000 square feet and include facilities for strength and conditioning, sports medicine, mental health services, nutrition, and meeting and office space.
Workplace solutions company Fellowes recently announced that it has been awarded a cooperative purchasing agreement with government organization Sourcewell. A news release reports that Fellowes was presented with the contract in the “Furniture Solutions with Related Accessories and Services” category after a rigorous submission process that resulted in contracts meeting or exceeding local procurement requirements.
Springdale Public Schools in Springdale, Ark., recently announced a new partnership that will bring seven new digital displays to the district. Digital Scoreboards will provide six outdoor displays and one indoor display to upgrade both athletic experiences and educational opportunities for students, according to a news release.
The Kingsley Montessori School in Boston, Mass., will soon purchase a new building with the help of a $25-million, tax-exempt bond from MassDevelopment & Rockland Trust, according to a news release. The school has leased the space located at 26 Exeter Street since 2005, which currently plays home to the Kindergarten Entry and Elementary programs.
Children’s furniture manufacturer Whitney Brothers recently announced the release of a new play vehicle for young children. The Imagination Truck can be reconfigured as a food truck, an ice cream van, a mail delivery truck, and more to provide options for imaginative role play, according to a news release.
American Plant Maintenance (APM Steam) recently announced the launch of steam trap survey services, which a news release reports can document the operational status of and provide repair recommendations for steam traps in a facility’s steam system. The survey can increase operational integrity, energy efficiency, and safety in a steam distribution system.
Fullerton College in Fullerton, Calif., recently announced that it has broken ground on two new buildings for its campus, according to a news release. The Maintenance and Operations Building and the Chapman Newell Instructional Building will cover a combined total of 29,713 square feet. The college is partnering with Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects for the project’s design and BNBuilders for its construction.