Skanska Completes Modernization, Expansion of Historic Landmark Montlake Elementary School in Seattle

Skanska has completed work on a 90,500-square-foot modernization and expansion of the historic Montlake Elementary School for Seattle Public Schools in Washington. The project included the modernization of the existing two-story, 16,500-square-foot Seattle Landmark schoolhouse and addition of a new 74,000-square-foot, three-story building housing the gym, cafeteria, kitchen, administration spaces, classrooms and library.

With a focus on connection to the outdoors, new outdoor learning spaces were constructed on the west side of the landmark school building. A central play courtyard also provides direct connection to garden terraces, and a second-floor learning and play terrace directly connects to classrooms in the new building. Additionally, to optimize outdoor play space within the less than two-acre site, a rooftop play area was added atop the new gymnasium.

Since the original schoolhouse, built in 1924, was named a Seattle Landmark in 2015, it was imperative that specific historic elements be maintained during the modernization, including interior woodwork, cabinetry, egress stairs, window frames and the exterior character of the building. As part of the modernization and addition, several sustainable design solutions were added to the facility – including advanced energy management systems and controls, solar panels and heat pumps – without compromising the community’s holistic values, health, spirit of place, inclusivity and resilience. A carbon footprint assessment, construction indoor air quality management plan and construction waste recycling program were all part of the development of this project.

Montlake Elementary School’s modernization and addition was designed with current and former students in mind. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, it will provide a learning space for up to 500 students in grades K-5. Accessibility is built throughout the campus to ensure everyone can attend and visit the school, and classrooms can be arranged with a variety of shared learning spaces to support academic success for every student.

To respect the character of the surrounding neighborhood and scale of the existing school building, the new three-story building was built slightly depressed into the site to allow the height of both the historic and new rooflines to align. For added safety and security, students, families and visitors will be welcomed through a new entry plaza on the northeast side of the addition. Visitors will enter through a single access point, a secure main entrance leading to the administrative office for check-in before allowing access to the school.

Skanska served as general contractor/construction management firm for the project, DLR Group served as design firm and Paul Wight, an alumnus of Montlake Elementary School, served as capital projects manager for the project for Seattle Public Schools.