Thomas Jefferson Elementary

Significantly damaged beyond repair in a magnitude 5.8 earthquake, our team used a prototype elementary school we previously designed to quickly get teachers and students into a new building and back to business.

A devastating earthquake in August 2011 required a new Pre-K-5 replacement for Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. To provide a time and cost-effective solution, the designs for the facility were taken directly from the nearby Moss-Nuckols Elementary School previously designed by our firm, and site-adapted for the new location. Wind load and seismic analysis were completed and all modifications for the current building code were incorporated. The new 700 student seat capacity/850 SOL capacity school features a separate entrance for community access to facilities such as the gym and a large courtyard in the middle. Under budget and on time, the new school opened to students in September for the 2014-15 school year.