New Construction

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.