◆ Architecture
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
Ridgway Elementary School Renovations
Ridgway,
Colorado
In 2019 the Ridgway School District Board of Education retained RTA to complete a Facilities Master Plan to assist the District in defining current and future facility needs. The most significant needs were found in the Elementary school which had many systems that had served their useful life and were in need of replacement as well as life safety concerns. The elementary level also needed to expand to keep up with District growth and to support 21st Century Learning principles. RTA assisted RSD with a successful BEST Grant to fund the necessary renovation.
Elementary Schools
Project Details
- Square Footage: 61,646 sf
- Project Cost: $14.8M
Design Details
- Collaborative design process
- BEST Grant project
- Occupied during construction
- Multi-phased project
- Flexible 21st Century learning environments
- Admin reorganization
- Safety and security upgrades
- New finishes
- Connections to outdoor learning spaces
- MEP upgrades
- New roof and exterior envelope
- Sustainable design and pursuit of Green Globes certification
- Photography by David Lauer
The renovation prioritizes versatility and flexibility, encouraging the adoption of a range of learning approaches and teaching techniques. To support Ridgway’s outdoor curriculum, the renovation includes designated outdoor learning spaces for each grade. Two classrooms for each grade level accommodate future growth and better utilize the space. The reconfigured office area brings all office functions into a single suite and creates a controlled building entry that provides better visibility for office staff.
In a fully collaborative effort, RTA worked with RSD Executive Team, the 12-member Design Advisory Group, District User Groups, and the Owner's Representative to refine and finalize the option generated during the master plan. Students were also invited to draw their "dream outdoor classroom."