Rushford Peterson New EC-12 School

ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers

Project of Distinction 2019 Education Design Showcase

Rushford-Peterson New EC-12 School

Project Information

Facility Use: pK-12
Project Type: New Construction
Category: Whole Building & Campus Design
Location: Rushford, MN
District/Inst.: Rushford Peterson Public Schools
Chief Administrator: Chuck Ehler, Superintendent
Completion Date: August 2017
Gross Area: 175,000 sq. ft.
Area Per Student: 292 sq. ft.
Site Size: 9 acres
Current Enrollment:
Capacity: 600
Cost per Student: $56,953
Cost per Sq. Ft.: $195
Total Cost: $34,172,300

In 2007, flooding in the city of Rushford caused extensive damage to the public school. After extensive discussion regarding project scope and the mechanisms of funding, in 2015, Rushford-Peterson Schools passed a $38-million referendum to replace the destroyed school with a new PreK-12 school. The school was built on a site already owned by the school district, adjacent to their athletic fields. Only nine of the 16 acres were suitable for construction, so design efficiency was essential.

Rushford-Peterson New EC-12 SchoolAn additional challenge was to design four distinct schools into one, compact 175,000-square-foot building that consists of early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school. It was therefore important to create functional common spaces that work for all age groups: the student dining commons, circulation, gymnasium, and auditorium. Building zoning access was also implemented for common areas to be open for community and evening events while securing other parts of the school.

The continuous flow of large exterior windows creates a continuous panoramic view of the natural landscaped beauty of the forest that surrounds the site. Windows also bring natural light into nearly every teaching station and central breakout/collaboration area. Natural materials, including wood and local stone, are incorporated in the design to create warmth and reflect the beauty of the region.

Rushford-Peterson New EC-12 School Rushford-Peterson New EC-12 School

Flexibility is the key for creating learning environments that work for multiple age groups as well as each individual student. A variety of furniture is provided in and beyond the classroom to fit the unique learning needs of each student. Classrooms include movable tables and chairs of various heights and sizes. This flexibility also enables adaptability of spaces for many uses, as shown in the photos to the left.

Rushford-Peterson New EC-12 SchoolBreakout spaces adjacent to classrooms provide a variety of different-sized spaces for various learning settings including large spaces for presentation and group work, and small niches and conference spaces for a quieter setting for individual and small group work. These spaces are utilized throughout the day by students and staff. Common spaces have flexibility, offering each age level comfortable seating and space to dine, socialize, and study.

This new PreK-12 public school brings “new life” to the Rushford-Peterson area, providing a bright future for its students and community. It is truly a community center for all to learn and enjoy.

Rushford-Peterson New EC-12 School Rushford-Peterson New EC-12 School

Judges Comments

This is a good first-step approach. Good use of windows, skylights and the views to gain natural lighting. Nice use of wood and stone. Lots of wide spaces.

Architect(s):

ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers
DEAN BEENINGA, AIA/NCARB/REFP/LEED-AP
763/545-3731

Featured

  • Education Design Showcase

    Spaces4Learning Launches 2025 Education Design Showcase

    Spaces4Learning is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Education Design Showcase! Launched in 1999, the program celebrates innovative and practical solutions in planning, design, and construction.

  • Minnesota District Partners with Kraus-Anderson on Four Construction Projects

    Stillwater Area Schools in Lake Elmo, Minn., recently announced a partnership with Kraus-Anderson for construction projects at four schools in the district, according to a news release. The projects’ funding comes from a $175-million referendum passed in November 2023.

  • Washington University School of Medicine Completes $165M Expansion Project

    The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo., recently completed a vertical expansion of its Steven & Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health (BJCIH), according to a news release. The university partnered with Lawrence Group for the design of the six-floor addition, which cost about $165 million.

  • Addressing the Housing Affordability Crisis Through Creative Campus Development

    Many Southern California college and university campuses are living amidst surging housing costs, driving the need to house more of their populations on campus. Especially for community colleges, the need to support millions of unhoused and housing insecure students has become a prominent issue that lawmakers and institutions alike are trying to solve.