Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, has announced the completion of a 90,500-square-foot modernization and expansion of the historic Montlake Elementary School for Seattle Public Schools. The project transformed the existing 16,500-square-foot, two-story Seattle Landmark schoolhouse, originally built in 1924, and added a new 74,000-square-foot, three-story building featuring a gymnasium, cafeteria, kitchen, administration spaces, classrooms, and library.
Outdoor Connection and Play Spaces
Designed in collaboration with DLR Group, the project maximizes outdoor learning and play despite the school’s two-acre site footprint. Enhancements include:
- A rooftop play area atop the gymnasium
- Garden and learning terraces connected to classrooms
- A central play courtyard linking indoor and outdoor learning environments
Historic Preservation and Sustainable Design
Recognized as a Seattle Landmark in 2015, the original schoolhouse required careful preservation of its interior woodwork, cabinetry, egress stairs, window frames, and exterior character.
At the same time, the modernization incorporated sustainability features, including:
- Advanced energy management systems and controls
- Solar panels and heat pumps
- Carbon footprint assessments
- Indoor air quality management
- Construction waste recycling programs
These measures ensure a healthy, resilient, and inclusive learning environment while honoring the school’s historic and community values.
A Learning Environment for the Next Century
When students return in the 2025–26 school year, the expanded campus will accommodate up to 500 K–5 students, with full accessibility and flexible classroom layouts designed to support diverse learning styles.
“It’s challenging but immensely rewarding to work on a special project like this, where we get to execute a brilliant design while preserving an iconic landmark,” said Lew Guerrette, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Skanska USA Building in Seattle. “We are very proud to deliver a school that reflects the community’s values and look forward to seeing students, teachers, and families experience it this fall.”
To maintain harmony with the surrounding residential neighborhood, the new three-story addition was depressed into the site, aligning its roofline with the historic building. A new northeast entry plaza provides a secure single access point with a direct connection to administrative offices for check-in.
“I cannot think of a more complex construction project because of the limited site size and neighborhood setting,” said Richard Best, Director of Capital Projects for Seattle Public Schools. “The final product is of outstanding quality and will serve the district for another 100 years.”
Project Partners and Timeline
- General Contractor / Construction Manager (GC/CM): Skanska
- Design Firm: DLR Group
- Capital Projects Manager: Paul Wight, Seattle Public Schools (and Montlake Elementary alumnus)
Classes were temporarily relocated to John Marshall School during construction (2023–2025) and will return to Montlake Elementary in Fall 2025.
This project was funded through the Building Excellence V Capital Levy, approved by Seattle voters in 2019.
