Hunt Elementary School, Sioux City Community School District

FEH DESIGN

Recognitions: K-12 Projects 2022

Project Description

Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School brings new life and purpose to a community school. Nestled in a midtown neighborhood in Sioux City, the new elementary school serves as a connection for families to their community through the arts. Young learners experience technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, and a well-rounded education stemming from a core focus on the arts. Families experience a high-functioning school that brings them into a nurturing and supporting relationship. Hunt A+ Arts Elementary strives to ensure that all students have the opportunity to grow academically and socially and are exposed to all the art forms – drama, dance, music, visual arts, and creative writing through integrated instruction, and are educated in a safe, welcoming, and creative environment. Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School, which serves a high population of immigrant families, replaces an aging building, which sat on the very same site. The aging building could no longer accommodate the neighborhood population, the building systems had surpassed their useful life, and the layout was a hinderance to 21st century learning. The neighborhood has been transformed through this responsive and inspired design. The footprint is nearly 3 times the size of the old school and allows the school to focus on impact and engagement. Enrollment increased with the addition of PK-4th grade sections, family nights, musical performances, and small group collaborative learning. The arts are celebrated through bright colors, shapes, and inspiring graphics, salvaged art panels, and flexible collaborative spaces. Specialty areas include a gallery, black box classrooms, instrumental music room and performance stage. The new dining commons gives nod to the previous school, by using the large “Hunt” letters carved in sandstone from the old façade entrance. The architectural style, proportions, color palette, materials and detailing integrate the new larger building seamlessly into its surrounding neighborhood.