District updates schematic plans for Harrison, Hoover and Van Buren projects; architects warn rising construction costs

District architects and construction partners gave updates on three elementary projects: Harrison (renovation and addition), and the new-school projects for Hoover and Van Buren. Staff said schematic design and programming are underway, but rising construction costs mean budgets will need closer review.

Harrison Elementary: Legat (presenters Robin Randall and Jim Hollenback) presented a schematic plan that reuses the existing building and adds a courtyard-centered addition, preschool and kindergarten space, and a two-story entry that ties new and historic sections together. The prototype plans aim for equity across elementary schools while allowing school-level autonomy. The architects noted the project’s square-foot program is a little over 100,000 square feet; they said earlier board-approved all-in budgets were based on a lower per-square-foot estimate and that current expected construction costs have increased. The architects estimated a revised all-in project budget in the $38–44 million range versus the earlier $35 million figure; they said another cost estimate will be produced at the conclusion of design development in March. Schedule: design development through March, anticipated bid in July and construction completion in mid-2027.

Hoover and Van Buren: Shive-Hattery and MA+ presented programming and community-engagement findings for the Hoover and Van Buren replacement projects. The team surveyed staff at both schools and at three recently completed elementary schools, conducted building tours, and met with student groups. Common priorities reported by staff included flexible classroom spaces, multipurpose community areas, outdoor learning environments, school safety and secure entry points, staff workspace and integrated student services. Student input included requests for larger restrooms, ramps for accessibility, space for therapy dogs and gardens. The project team said they compiled a detailed program spreadsheet comparing recent new-elementary prototypes and used that to craft initial programs for the two schools; preliminary square-foot programs are roughly consistent with other recent elementary projects (Van Buren ~96,000 SF; Hoover ~93,000 SF). Both projects are scheduled to enter schematic design next and aim for August 2027 occupancy.

Board and staff questions focused on fixture counts and consistency across elementary prototypes. A board member asked specifically about restroom counts; design staff pointed to restroom clusters in each pod, public toilets in gym/cafeteria areas and confirmed counts would be tracked in a district-wide spreadsheet to ensure equity across schools.

Why it matters: The Harrison scope is shaped by the district’s preference to retain the historic building while providing modern learning environments. Rising construction costs are driving a re-evaluation of project budgets across the district and will affect bond planning and schedule.

What’s next: Architects will refine costs in design development and return to the board with updated estimates; staff said the district is working to keep programmatic equity across schools while controlling square footage and per-square-foot costs.