Story

The new Kalamazoo Public Schools Prairie Ridge Elementary School is an 85,000 sq. ft., two story structural steel and masonry building. This facility is comprised of five main areas including a gymnasium/cafeteria, music rooms, administration, media center and classroom wing. The school’s curved appearance adds uniqueness and enables access to the site from both elevations along with all classrooms. The primary focus of the building was the economical and sustainable design, and is the first new school built in Kalamazoo in 35 years. This innovative facility was designed as a LEED certified in accordance with the USGBC. Sustainable aspects include a vegetative roof, high efficient building systems, low VOC materials, and a rain garden for storm water runoff absorption. Over 30 percent of the building products were manufactured from recyclable materials. Additional environmentally conscience materials included formaldehyde free wood and low VOC adhesives and paint. Moreover, 78 percent of the waste generated from construction was diverted from the landfill and recycled. More than 30 percent of the materials supplied were manufactured within a 500 mile radius of the jobsite, half of which were produced or fabricated in Kalamazoo. A distinct component of this building is the two-story media center with a spiral stair. Also, the contemporary stage and gymnasium area act as the student cafeteria, and is utilized for after school programs.