East Dubuque USD Security and Classroom Additions

FEH DESIGN

Recognitions: K-12 Projects 2022

Project Description

In the summer of 2018, the East Dubuque School District took a hard look at their programs, curriculum, and facilities. Knowing that they had to make significant investments into code, maintenance, and ADA updates to their two buildings they reached out to FEH Design to help guide them in the process of planning for the future of their district. FEH Design reviewed the District’s Health/Life Safety report and conducted a space needs study. Based on the findings, the district engaged FEH Design to recruit and facilitate a public task force of citizens to provide a plan to help guide the development of a long-range plan for the future of the East Dubuque School’s facilities. The task force and citizens overwhelmingly stated they wanted the district to consolidate their buildings into one singular campus. This first phase in a multiphase master plan provided a new secure entrance and identity for the school. Offices were relocated to the new entrance, special ed classrooms were created, cafeteria was updated, kitchen and serving were updated, a fitness/weight room was added, finishes were replaced, and lots of other maintenance projects were completed. The results were impactful in creating a safe, secure, and yet welcoming environment for the high school/middle school. Students and staff feel more comfortable and very proud of their school. The new entrance structure provides the functionality of security and weather protection and gives the entire school a bold new identity. All the offices were gathered in a common location at the school entrance and designed in a way that enhances security and allows efficiencies in administrative communication and collaboration. Overall, this initial phase of the long-term vision has elevated pride, created more comfort, reduced stress and shown the taxpayers excellent return on investment for their dollars.