The new Knoxville K-8 campus is more than a building replacement project—it's the creation of a unified educational environment that reflects the pride and identity of the Knoxville community. Guided by the district theme of "We Are Knoxville", the design thoughtfully combines a repurposed existing facility with new construction, creating one cohesive and compelling campus experience.
The project features a clear, welcoming main entry that is pulled away from the street, improving safety, visibility, and campus identity. Seperate bus drop-off areas and strong connections to the adjacent high school strengthen site organization and circulation. Inside, existing spaces are strategically repurposed to create a new commons area at the heart of the school, providing flexible opportunities for collaboration, displays, gathering, and student engagement. Shared spaces adjacent to the new gymnasium create additional opportunity for activation and community connection. Natural light, views to nature, and welcoming interior environments enhance the overall learning experience, while supporting student and staff well-being and engagement. Junior high spaces incorporate Knoxville's blue and gold school colors to reinforce school pride, while elementary areas embrace additional color and playful energy appropriate for young learners.
- 49,569 s.f. Renovation
- 32,541 s.f. Addition
- Welcoming Main Entry
- Flexible Commons Space
The Community Engagement Planning Process with Meridian CUSD #15 resulted in a clear direction, to reduce the number of campuses from four to two and concentrate resources to make these remaining two campuses healthy, safe, and educationally relevant.
The district spent four years working with the community and staff to plan for an expansion and renovation with the goal of meeting the needs of growing enrollment and providing future-focused learning opportunities to students.
Completed in 2022, the 11,519 s.f. gymnasium replacement consisted of all new flooring and paint work, bleachers, new basketball equipment, dedicated locker rooms, and new bathrooms. Environmental branding was added to the space, featuring the school colors throughout, as well as the school logo on the exterior of the building. Renovations were also done to the lobby, adding in environmental branding and creating a welcoming space for students, staff, and the community.