Building Excellence: Thank you, voters! Rockwell Elementary School groundbreaking ceremony

On May 8, 2025, Lake Washington School District celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rebuild & Enlarge project at Rockwell Elementary School.

The Rebuild & Enlarge of Rockwell Elementary project is funded by the voter-approved 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy, which underscores the community's commitment to providing high-quality educational facilities for its students 

The Rebuild & Enlarge project at Rockwell Elementary aims to address the needs of an aging facility while creating space for 252 additional students. The new two-story building will feature 30 classrooms and support spaces. The new building is scheduled to open in Fall 2026. Construction is set to begin this summer, with preliminary work having already started this spring.

Event Highlights

The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including members of the school district administration, project stakeholders and community members. The event featured a ceremonial groundbreaking and a presentation outlining the project's scope and benefits. Speakers included Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent; Brian Buck, Executive Director of Support Services; and Adam Couch, Principal at Rockwell Elementary. Rockwell Elementary students and staff were joined by Lindsey Yocum, LWSD Board of Directors Legislative Representative; Angela Birney, Redmond Mayor; and Melissa Stuart, City of Redmond Council member. Members of the design build team from Lydig Construction and McGranahanPBK also attended the event.

Project Details

1. Project name: Rebuild & Enlarge Rockwell Elementary
2. Location: 11125 162nd Ave N.E., Redmond, WA 98052
3. Start date: Summer 2025
4. Planned opening: Fall 2026
5. Funding source: 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy
6. Capacity: 690 students
7. Features: 30 classrooms plus music, art/science rooms, ELL/SN/special education, library, cafeteria/commons, gymnasium, and outdoor covered play area

For more information about the Rockwell Elementary project and the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy, please visit: https://www.lwsd.org/services/facilities/construction/building-excellence-construction-levy/rebuild-and-enlarge-rockwell-elementary.