John Muir Elementary

John Muir
Elementary
About

Construction Updates

Construction Updates for John Muir

January 2024 Updates from SDAT

At the January 2024 PTA meeting, Seattle Public Schools’ School Design Advisory Team (SDAT) provided the following updates:

  • Construction estimates for this project are over our $9.65 million budget.
  • ­been working to reduce cost while maintaining quality and supporting teaching and learning
  • ­scope that does not align with identified levy commitments has been removed from the project
  • We’re on schedule.
renderings of the Muir building. school entry at early learning addition
early learning addition outdoor play
John Muir Elementary School Early Learning Addition map. 

revised project scop
1. Early Learning addition & outdoor play
2. 3rd floor classrooms
3. site ADA upgrades
4. short & long-term bike parking
5. tree replacement & boulder relocation
6. loading dock upgrade

Removed from scope
- windows at 1971 addition
- electric boiler replacement
- lighting upgrade
- controls upgrade

Major Activity Completed This Period: December 2023 

  • Completed User group meetings with Early Learning faculty and staff. 
  • Completed Departures Advisory Committee meeting; verbally approved. 
  • Continued construction document efforts and preparation of permit submittal and 65% CD set. 

Major Activity Planned for Next Period: January 2024 

  • Communicate scope reductions to school community. 
  • Continue construction document efforts, preparation of permit submittal and 90% CD set. 
  • Obtain Departures approval recommendation report from Department of Neighborhoods. 
  • Host SEPA Hearing, which is scheduled for January 19, 2024, 10 – 4 pm. 

Overview

In April of 2023, John Muir Elementary hosted a meeting to share more about upcoming construction and building improvements to share progress and solicit feedback from the community. The slides from the presentation give significant detail and context for SPS’ strategic plan, focus on equitable access and building welcoming schools, safety and maintenance processes, as well as more information about the district’s commitment to sustainability and climate. You can learn more about the planned changes below. Please note that the information below is subject to change as part of the design process.

  • Four classrooms and outdoor play area
  • Support spaces
  • Head start preschool and after-school program
  • Separate into three classrooms
  • Bicycle “garden” and bike parking
  • Accessible sidewalk curbs
  • Upgrade loading dock
  • New windows and window replacement at 1971 wing
  • Fire alarm replacement
  • Sprinkler repairs
  • Upgrade electrical service
  • Upgrade lighting
  • Replace water heater

Timeline

After the April 2023 meeting, the next steps are:

  • Gather feedback from community (see below)
  • Build cost estimate
  • Meet with School Design Advisory Team (SDAT)
  • Meet with user groups
  • Meet with bike garden champions
  • Reach out to art teacher to explore opportunities for student art

Please feel free to reach out to Anjali Grant, Principal Architect and Project Manager, with any questions.

Timeline for construction project between 2023 and 2025.

SDAT: February & March 2023
Schematic Design: April & May 2023
Design Development: June - October 2023
Construction Documents: October 2023-April 2024
Construction: summer 2024 - fall 2025

Feedback

The architect is currently soliciting feedback from the community on the following questions. Please contact Anjali Grant with questions or feedback.

  1. What messages of welcome to new preschool families could we include in the preschool addition?
  2. What do you want the design team to know?
  3. What do you want the design team to consider or think about?

Contacts

  • Vince Gonzales, Senior Project Manager, SPS Capital and Planning
  • Matisia Hollingsworth, Project Manager, SPS Capital and Planning
  • Deborah Northern, Manager of Equity and Engagement for Capital Projects
  • Anjali Grant, Principal, Project Manager/Project Architect, Anjali Grant Design
  • Caroline Mai, Architectural Staff, Anjali Grant Design
  • Mike McCanna, Senior Project Manager, Absher Construction
  • Garrett Tapia, Project Manager, Absher Construction

Construction Updates from SPS

John Muir Elementary School Early Learning Addition and Improvements

Latest News

Project Update: September 2024

Early Learning Addition

  • Installed subgrade footings and underground utilities.

Other Work

  • 2nd Floor: Completed room 208.
  • 3rd Floor: Framed walls, windows, and doors; painted walls; roughed in utilities; installed ceiling tiles; and installed new sink and casework.
  • Loading Dock and Fire Riser Room: Framed the fire riser room and backfilled with rock.

About the Project

Overview

This is a project to build a 4-classroom Early Learning addition with before- and after-school childcare support spaces.

It also includes renovating the 3rd floor of the 1971 addition from open concept to 3 classrooms, upgrades to the existing fire suppression system, and loading dock upgrades. Site work includes adding modular play equipment, bicycle parking, a bicycle garden, and work on the right-of-way curb ramp.

The existing school will remain on site during the school year while construction is going on.

Funding Source: Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics V Capital Levy (BTA V), approved by voters in 2022 and a Distressed Schools Grant from the State of Washington.

Timeline

construction phase graphic showing that the school is in the Construction phase
Learn what happens during these phases
  • Predesign phase: Complete
  • Schematic design phase: Complete
  • Design development phase: Complete
  • Construction documents and permitting phase: In progress
  • Bid and award phase: Complete
  • Construction phase: In progress
  • Estimated completion: Summer 2025

Construction Progress Photos

a loader is demolishing part of a brick building
Demolition to prepare for the new preschool addition – July 2024
a bucket loader is demolishing a portion of a brick building while workers spray water
Spraying water during demolition to keep dust down – July 2024

Project Design

School Design Advisory Team (SDAT)

Early in the design process, representatives from the school community come together to form a school’s SDAT. SDATs typically include school and district staff, parents, and community members. Students are sometimes included for all or part of the process. The project construction managers also take part. Learn more about the John Muir SDAT.

Architect’s Drawings

simple site plan of a school
Site plan showing project area
drawing of the outside of a brick building with a flag pole and trees. people are shown walking on the side walk and walkway to the entry
Main entrance with new PreK addition to the left
drawing of a 1 story brick building with pavement in front
PreK Entry

Project Team

Project Design: Anjali Grant Design

GCCM: Absher Construction

Project Manager: Matisia Hollingsworth, mchollingswo@seattleschools.org, 206-252-0901

Contact Us

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