Tacoma-based BLRB Architects is the firm recommended by a committee of Tacoma school officials and teachers to design a remodel for the historic Washington Elementary School building.
The Tacoma School Board will be asked to approve the recommendation at its Thursday meeting.
School Board action would allow the administration to negotiate an agreement for approximately $350,000 for design-related services on the anticipated $25 million modernization project.
The project schedule calls for BLRB to begin planning in March and work on design development this fall. The district plans to seek construction bids in March 2013 and begin construction in June 2013. The elementary school’s students will shift to the former Hunt Middle School campus for the 2013-2014 school year, then move back into the renovated Washington building by September 2014.
Pete Wall, the district’s planning and construction director, said BLRB has worked with the district on previous projects, most recently on the new Baker Middle School that opened this month.
“We’re looking forward to working with them on this project, which has such strong community identity and importance to the historic character of the neighborhood,” he said.
Washington’s main elementary school building at 3701 N. 26th St. dates to 1901, with additions and expansions in 1905, 1967 and 1968.
Tacoma voters approved a capital levy in 2010 that included funding for a modernized Washington.
For more information, contact the district’s Planning and Construction office at 253-571-3350.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635 debbie.cafazzo@ thenewstribune.com
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