California Middle School Breaks Ground on Major Renovation Project

The Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) in Hillsborough, Calif., recently began construction on new multipurpose and administration facilities for Crocker Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s goal is to modernize outdated facilities. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) for design, Blach Construction for building services, and Van Pelt Construction Services for program and construction management.

The Multipurpose Building (MPR) will include a raised performance space, meal server, and warming kitchen. The facility’s retractable back wall will open into a new outdoor courtyard, which can play home to student lunches and performances, school events, and community activities, the news release reports.

"We are thrilled to begin construction on these new facilities, a critical investment for our students and staff," said Ana de Arce, HCSD Superintendent. "These modern and adaptable spaces will provide the backbone by which the campus functions, reflecting the district’s dedication to our community’s future. We would like to thank the community for its support of local bond measures that make facilities upgrades a reality, as well as our dedicated project team.”

The new Administration Building, attached to the MPR via a covered walkway, will have administrative offices, a nurse’s station, and a reception area, according to the news release. It will also feature its own courtyard and partial roof terrace for additional flexible outdoor space.

"Alongside HCSD, Blach and Van Pelt, we are honored to contribute to this project that will replace some of the school’s more outdated facilities with contemporary, flexible, and cohesive environments,” said Lyanne Schuster, QKA principal and studio lead. “These new facilities are designed to foster collaboration and gathering, ensuring the long-term success of the Crocker Middle School campus."

The project entails 17,000 square feet of new construction and was funded by Local Bond Measure H. It has an estimated completion date of winter 2027.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.

  • Compton High School

    Compton High School

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Compton High School has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • S4L Announces 2026 Education Design Showcase Winners

    Spaces4Learning is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Education Design Showcase! Now in its 27th year, the annual awards program honors innovative solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction across K–12 and higher education.

  • Rowan University, HPE Partner on New Learning Initiative

    Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., recently announced that it has expanded its partnership with enterprise technology provider HPE to improve research capabilities and hands-on learning opportunities, according to a news release.