2009 / new construction / 61,000 sf

BBL has been working with the North Clackamas School District on a continuous basis since 1993, developing a wide range of educational facilities for the District. The Verne A. Duncan Elementary School that we recently designed (2009) and constructed for the District occupies a site in a new area of Happy Valley that is adjacent to a proposed future middle school/high school site and a proposed North Clackamas Park and Recreation District Regional Park site. The proximity of combined school facilities and a major park site will provide for a valuable recreational resource for the surrounding communities. Several preliminary joint meetings were held with city, county, school district, and park and recreation district offices to coordinate facilities, roadways, open space and athletic facilities. As a result, the westerly portion of the elementary school site is planned to share athletic fields that would be operated by the park and recreation district and provide for shared parking to maximize resources.

The two-story 61,000 square foot K-6 elementary school provides for an environment of 550-600 students and has been designed to allow for community use of the gymnasium, playgrounds, playfields, cafeteria and meeting spaces. The proposed structure uses natural materials, high performance glass, and masonry exterior finishes that require minor maintenance for the life of the building. This state of the art 21st century contemporary educational facility was designed to perform to LEED Gold requirements and opened to students in the fall of 2009.

2008 / new construction / 60,000 sf

To accommodate rapid growth, North Clackamas School District hired the BBL team to conduct a comprehensive assessment study. The design of a new 650 student 60,000 sf, 2-story school facility, including preparation of cost estimates for a bond election totaling $94 million, were undertaken. We toured several existing facilities and developed standard district education specifications for new elementary school facilities with an owner selected committee, which included students. The National School Boards Association 2001 Exhibition of School Architecture selected Spring Mountain Elementary for display.

This beautiful school is nestled into a hillside with views of Mt. Tabor and Mt. Scott. The design process included extensive input from teachers, support staff and community members. It was designed to meet PGE Earth Smart standards. The facility includes classrooms, administration areas, media center/library, computer lab, gymnasium, kitchen, cafeteria, lobby and multiple meeting teaching spaces.

Infra-structure improvements and site amenities were a special challenge. The site slope averaged 14% and was within a close knit neighborhood. Site access was restricted to one entry. The site challenges were incorporated into unique features of the two-story design.

1999 / addition / 21,600 sf

The dramatic and sweeping changes to this facility led to the 2001 Community Beautification Award presented by the North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce. The existing 1-story 30,000 s.f. facility was completely renovated more than doubled in size with a 21,600 s.f. addition of 12 classrooms, a media center, commons areas, computer lab and a new 9,600 s.f gymnasium and play area. Oak Grove now has the capacity to house 650 students in a virtually new elementary school. Furniture and equipment were selected and purchased for the facility.

The expansion improved disabled access as required by the ADA. An emergency back-up lighting system was also installed to meet code requirements. Also installed were computer networking and adequate electric power in all classrooms.

Site improvements include redesigned vehicle/pedestrian circulation, additional parking and bus loading areas. Playground and activity field utilization has been dramatically improved.

2003-2009 / remodel / 4 projects

This remodel created a state-of-the-art facility. To address the technology requirements, a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions was undertaken with analysis of the cost and benefit of various educational scenarios based on established educational specifications. The updated facility provides all students with innovative training for the 21st century through the integration of technology, applied academics and an ongoing partnership with business and industry.