Hutchinson Public Schools

Park Elementary School Revitalization

A Modern Transformation with Historic Charm

LHB collaborated with Hutchinson Public Schools to revitalize Park Elementary School, a historic structure facing challenges from multiple additions. The removal of the 1956 addition reduced the building’s size, optimizing it for fourth- and fifth-grade classes while creating space for a parking lot extension. Grade-specific floors were introduced, along with innovative learning areas and flexible classroom layouts. Renovations emphasized natural light, spaciousness, and modern amenities like specialized classrooms for music, STREAM, and art. A prominent stair tower with glass walls was added for connectivity and aesthetics. Original features like terrazzo flooring were preserved while modern systems were integrated to enhance efficiency and comfort. Construction, spanning from January to December 2022, accommodated ongoing school operations across two academic years. This project signifies a harmonious blend of historic preservation and contemporary educational needs.

Project Type Addition and Renovation

Location Hutchinson, MN

Completion Date December 2022

Size 95,500 square feet

Market Pre K-12 Schools

Services Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Historic Preservation, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering

Adaptable Spaces

Open flex areas offer versatile environments that cater to collaborative activities, fostering dynamic engagement among students and educators alike. These flexible areas not only facilitate academic collaboration but also nurture social connections and peer interactions, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive school culture.

Crafting Curiosity

Custom-designed classrooms cater to specialized subjects like Music, STREAM, and Art. For instance, this Science lab emphasizes hands-on experiments with a technology-centric approach. Here, students engage their senses and utilize tools to observe, record, and analyze data about the natural world.

Brighter, Spacious, Smarter Classrooms

Classrooms were expanded, featuring instructional monitors for optimal student viewing, meeting, or surpassing industry standards. Additionally, new windows were installed to enhance natural lighting, creating a more spacious environment.

More Space to Play

The bus loop was added to the back of the school along with the addition of more green space for students to use during recess.

Stair Tower

The stair tower brings in natural light to the hallways and gives the building a modern feel.

New accessible ramp

As part of Park Elementary School’s rehabilitation, a new ramp was installed at the front entrance to provide ADA-compliant access into the building.

Window Into Reading

The expansive windows in the media center welcome natural light, making it the focal point of the lower level. Positioned next to the specialist’s room, it serves as a designated reading area for students.