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.
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.
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.
Feedback
The architect is currently soliciting feedback from the community on the following questions. Please contact Anjali Grant with questions or feedback.
- What messages of welcome to new preschool families could we include in the preschool addition?
- What do you want the design team to know?
- 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
The new Early Learning Addition opened in September 2025 for the 2025-26 school year.
Project Update
Major activity in August
- Received temporary occupancy permit.
- Completed interior build out.
- Completed flashing and paint for the new bike shed.
- Completed new accessible parking space and signage.
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
- 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
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
Project Team
Project Design: Anjali Grant Design
GCCM: Absher Construction
Project Manager: Matisia Hollingsworth, mchollingswo@seattleschools.org, 206-252-0901