Kimball
Kimball Elementary School Replacement Project
Project complete.
New School Building Open
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new school on Aug. 31, 2023. Read the story.
About the Project
The new three-story Kimball Elementary School provides the spaces and resources that students need for academic success. The approximately 95,000 square foot school meets the district’s elementary educational specifications and provides space for up to 650 students. It is designed to provide an equitable, safe, and inspiring learning environment for all students.
A collaborative process resulted in a plan that preserved valuable outdoor spaces that is used for both education and recreation. The design is organized into learning clusters with classrooms surrounding learning commons. Secure points of entry with visitor directed into the administration office before entering the school.
The new school building was thoughtfully designed to fit into the neighborhood with color choices that reflect natural elements. A canopy provides awaiting and gathering area near the front entrance.
Sustainable Design and Construction
In keeping with SPS’s clean energy goals, operation of the new school does not require any fossil fuels. In addition, the roof is designed to accommodate solar panels, which could offset 80% of the building’s energy use in the future.
Features to reduce energy use:
- Geothermal heating
- Highly efficient ventilation that recovers heat before air leaves the school
- Energy-efficient LED lighting
- Highly insulated walls and roofs
- High performance fiberglass windows
Other sustainable design strategies:
- Storm water management with rain gardens
- Native and drought-resistant plantings
- Shielded site lighting to reduce light pollution
- Demolition and construction debris sorted and recycled
Projected Energy Use Index (EUI): 18
Design firm: NAC Architecture
Contractor : Cornerstone General Contractors
Project Budget: $86.4M
Funding Source: Funded by the Building Excellence V (BEX V) Capital Levy, approved by Seattle voters in 2019.