La Crosse School District architects outline final designs, sustainability goals for referendum projects

Bray Architects presented updated designs for the La Crosse School District’s referendum projects, saying the team is advancing schematic design toward construction documents for a new elementary school and an addition at State Road. Nathan Dirks, the project architect, told the board the design emphasizes whole‑building learning spaces and coordination with mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers to keep the projects on time and under budget.

“The design is for La Crosse, for the community, for the staff members — and most importantly, for the kids,” Dirks said, noting the team is integrating solar panels and geothermal systems to reduce long‑term heating and cooling costs. Architects also described community engagement activities, including open houses and educator building tours, that informed classroom adjacencies and collaboration zones.

The presenters said the new elementary will be sited to maximize southern exposure for play areas while minimizing shadows on neighboring properties. They described material and color choices intended to fit the local aesthetic and to provide simple wayfinding for children, such as colored entry doors. The team also flagged constraints: the district expects to use roughly 100 kW class photovoltaic systems on many rooftops but said local interconnection rules and utility policies may limit array sizing at some sites.

Next steps include continued staff design reviews this week and delivery of the presentation deck to board members after the meeting. Administration and the architects said they are proceeding with conservative budgeting, contingencies and additional engineer coordination before bidding.