Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

California Junior High School Completes Conversion to Middle School

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/19/24

The Fremont Unified School District in Fremont, California, recently finished a multi-phase conversion to Thornton Middle School that will increase the school’s student population by almost 50 percent with the addition of sixth-grade students, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and Blach Construction for the project that totaled 45,000 square feet of new construction and 57,000 square feet of renovation and modernization.

The campus conversion includes a new, two-story administration building featuring student support services and a library; five new two-story classroom buildings that were completed in 2022; and upgrades to all existing classroom buildings, multipurpose buildings, and locker rooms.

“The modern and flexible educational and support spaces that now make up Thornton Middle School provide each grade level with inspiring facilities to learn and grow,” said QKA Principal John Dybczak. “This has been a complex and fulfilling project to see through to the finish line, and the outcome is a testament to the teamwork of all parties involved.”

Sustainability features include solar-readiness, metal roofing panels, energy-efficient windows, high-efficiency mechanical systems and water-efficient plumbing systems, eco-friendly interior systems, and LED lighting. Renovations also saw the introduction of bio-swales for stormwater management and drought-tolerant landscaping.

“With every aspect of the campus affected by the multiple phases of construction, advance planning and coordination were invaluable to project success,” said Blach Project Executive Brad Fannin. “From the prefabrication of wall panels to the sequencing of work, we employed solutions from the outset that would maintain functionality and safety for Thornton’s students and staff.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Minnesota Middle School Finishes $23.5M Addition and Modernization

    Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $23.5-million addition and remodel project, according to a news release. Saint Paul Public Schools partnered with ATS&R Planners, Architects & Engineers for its design and Kraus-Anderson for its construction.

  • Utah Valley University Opens New Engineering Building

    Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, recently held a grand-opening ceremony for the new Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, according to a news release. The facility is one of the largest engineering buildings in the state at almost 200,000 square feet, and it plays home to the university’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET).

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • Texas State University Completes Stadium Renovations

    Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, recently announced that it has completed a series of additions and renovations to its football stadium, according to a news release. Formerly known as the Bobcat Stadium End Zone Complex, the Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center is an 85,000-square-foot expansion featuring hospitality spaces, banquet spaces, exterior concourses, and upgrades to the field house.