Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Rushford Peterson New EC-12 School

  • 06/01/19

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

  • University of Pennsylvania Releases Design of Future Physical Sciences Building

    The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Penn., recently released renderings of an upcoming 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building, according to news release. The facility was designed by CO Architects and will unite the university’s departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

  • Cleveland High School Breaks Ground on Modernization

    Portland Public Schools in Portland, Ore., recently announced that construction has begun on a modernization project for Cleveland High School, according to a news release. The existing building will be replaced with a new, 300,000-square-foot facility at the same site.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • Arizona District Breaks Ground on Community Training, Learning Center

    The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) in Tolleson, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new Training & Learning Center (TLC) for both district professionals and the community at large, according to a news release. The 90,000-square-foot facility has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.