The Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the highly anticipated Lila Bringhurst Elementary School (LBES). Integrated within a new high-density urban development, the facilities officially opened for the 2022-2023 school year to support the education of 1,100 transitional kindergarten (TK) through fifth grade students.
The new 97,631 sq. ft. elementary school includes classroom buildings, a multi-use building and a school office, as well as a Learning Center, Media Center and Flex Lab. Fitting within a relatively constrained five-acre site, two-story construction maximized space without compromising quality. Double loaded corridors increase building efficiency and provide lively circulation, including widenings for informal gatherings. Encouraging a sense of community, the large classroom building provides a two-story entry lobby and campus views, including from the second-level corridor and lobby into the library below. A bridge on the second story connects the two classroom buildings for ease of movement.
Durable, cost effective and sustainable materials were prioritized throughout design and construction, including on-site storm water treatment and bio-swales, solar-ready buildings, natural lighting, skylights, energy efficient electrical and mechanical systems and low flow plumbing fixtures.
QKA worked closely with both FUSD and the project developer for the school’s seamless integration within the surrounding high-density urban development that includes 4,000 dwelling units, mixed-use office space and an adjacent four-acre joint-use park. The first new school built in the Fremont Unified School District in nearly 30 years, Lila Bringhurst is a community hub and landmark for this new, growing part of the city.