Tubman Elementary School

Washington DC

Located in the Columbia Heights district of Washington DC, the 1968 Harriet Tubman Elementary School is the second largest elementary school in the DC Public School system. The Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization requested the complete refurbishment of all twenty-six existing classrooms including the Pre-School, Head Start, Pre-K, K through 5, and Special Education. The modernization includes completely new flooring, wall paint, lighting, mechanical systems, electrical and data outlets, marker and tack boards, lockers, interactive white boards, sound reinforcement, millwork and complete furniture package.

EE&K reviewed the DCPS Design Guidelines and adopted its standards for new construction to a 25% smaller existing classroom size. The resulting room configuration and nature-based floor and wall colors were designed to create a calming and focused learning environment that also allowed for teacher flexibility. Working closely with its Design/Build partner, MCN Build of Washington DC, the project was able to provide additional monies to paint and tile both the corridors and entry lobby. From notice-to-proceed to substantial completion the project was designed and built in four months. As soon as school closed on June 15th, the design/build team began construction. In just 67 calendar days, EE&K/MCN had completed the renovation of over 70,000 square feet.