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Building updated as part of 2016 bond passed by voters

Redmond, Wash. – Staff cheered Monday, September 14, as the first preschool student walked confidently into the Early Learning Center at Old Redmond Schoolhouse. It is the first time in more than 20 years that Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has held classes in the building. 

Ben Rush Green Team

Three schools in Lake Washington School District were named 2020 Sustaining Green Schools by King County Green Schools in June. Environmental & Adventure School (EAS) qualified for the recognition for the first time this year. The shared campus of Carl Sandburg Elementary and Discovery Community School have earned the recognition for five consecutive years.

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    Juanita High School

    We are here: Phase 6, Construction

     

    Project Updates

    courtyard, exterior, culinary classroom

    Construction activities in our final phase at Juanita High School are nearly complete. Interior painting is in progress and furniture is being set up in all the classrooms. Site activities such as paving and landscaping will continue in preparation for the fall opening of Juanita High School Phase 2.

    On April 30, 2020, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) sold a total of $118.85 million of tax-exempt refunding bonds, which will refinance $134 million of its existing debt, to take advantage of lower market interest rates. The refinancing will save the district’s taxpayers more than $18.6 million over the next nine years.

    Digital Signage at school: Eagle Eye on Sustainability

    Energy-efficient design saves money in the long run. To implement energy-efficient features into its construction projects, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) applied for grants from Puget Sound Energy (PSE). The projects received grants that totaled $261,978.

    Aerial Photos

    Photo credit: Tim Rice Photography

    Drawings and site plans

    Project Information

    This project will rebuild and enlarge Juanita High School, built in 1971. It was included on the Long-Term Facilities Task Force recommendations to remodel and enlarge aging schools. The Task Force also recommended, based on community feedback, that the current Field House by retained. The fieldhouse and pool building will remain as it is.

    Architect: Integrus Architecture

    Contractor: Cornerstone Contractors
    Square Footage: 217,000 s.f.
    Capacity: 1,800 students (increase of 504)
    Spaces: 36 standard classrooms plus science labs, art, CTE, special education, instrumental and vocal music, library, theater, cafeteria (total of 71 teaching spaces)
    Estimated Project Cost: $145,477,000 (Includes construction costs of $82.5 million in 2016 dollars, $39.5 million in non-construction costs, and $23.5 million in expected construction cost inflation between now and the building’s completion)
    Planned opening: September 2020 (one year early)

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    Remodel vs Rebuild decision
    The district completed a Remodel vs Rebuild Study to determine whether to remodel the existing school building or rebuild a new school. The study was informed by a two-day workshop that leveraged the expertise of four contractor firms, architects, a commercial developer and cost estimators all experienced in school construction.

    Based on this work, the academic building would be replaced rather than remodeled. The analysis shows the cost to remodel the building, including the upgrades to meet current codes and educational spaces comparable to other recent projects, would cost 1.8% less than to construct an entirely new academic building. This figure includes the cost of temporarily housing students during construction.

    The analysis also showed that renovation of the existing building would result in a less efficient school given the current story and a half volume. The space would be less efficient to heat. It cannot be easily converted to two stories to gain needed additional classrooms space.

    The study also showed that while remodeling would result in inadequate parking considering the addition needed to accommodate more students. When the cost to replace parking is included, the cost to remodel and expand the current building would be 3.8% more than the cost to rebuild a new school.

    State construction assistance
    Due to its age, the school became eligible for state funds for renovation or replacement in 2001. State funds are also anticipated due to lack of classroom space at the high school level in the district overall. The district expects to receive $15 million in State Construction Funding Assistance for this project.

    Juanita High School Goals and Visions:

    • Create an inviting environment where students and community members feel welcome and safe
    • Design socialization areas for students and staff to gather for cultivating community
    • Demonstrate school culture and pride throughout that is shared with the community
    • Provide a variety of functional, practical and adaptable spaces that have the capacity and configuration to take advantage of the evolution of education
    • Design activated environments that inspire professions, students and community members and cultivate learning
    • Design easily understood building & site organization that is easily navigable
    • Create spaces that encourage student clubs, sports, rehearsals and the activity to happen as part of daily life
    • Provide a healthy environment with fresh air and abundant daylight, visually connected to the exterior