The Muscatine Community School District challenged FEH DESIGN to develop a new elementary on the site with the existing 1926 Jefferson Elementary and Central Middle School, while maintaining the use of both of the schools throughout construction. That challenge created wonderful opportunities by using the site contours and the existing buildings to develop a multi-level building that blends with the existing Middle School and neighborhood. The District wanted a building that had a traditional exterior presence with similarities to the original school, but a very modern interior for the students and staff. The new 2-story school is a 3-section, Pre-Kindergarten through 5th Grade building. The interior design focused on the use of bright colors, easy maintenance materials, color coded wayfinding, and easy navigation through the school for new students and family members. The main entrance is immediately next to the commons / lunch room and gymnasium, allowing the community to use these spaces after hours. Large clerestory translucent glazing in the gymnasium allows for activities throughout the day, without the need for lighting. LED lighting, daylight harvesting and geothermal well fields with heat pumps have created a very energy efficient building. FEH DESIGN met the District’s challenge with rave reviews by the students, staff and the community!
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Riley Engineering / MEP ENGINEER IMEG Corp. formerly KJWW Engineering / CIVIL ENGINEER Snyder & Associates / GENERAL CONTRACTOR Bi-State Contracting / PHOTOGRAPHY Jacob Sharp Photo