January 7, 2021

Tukwila school gets new STEAM academic wing

Photo provided by Rolluda Architects [enlarge]

The new building has science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics classrooms.

Construction is nearing completion on a STEAM academic wing at Showalter Middle School at 4628 S. 144th St. in Tukwila, according to Rolluda Architects, which designed the project.

The two-story, 19,993-square-foot building has science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics classrooms, Rolluda said in a press release. It said the building fosters inclusive learning environments where students can engage, collaborate, contribute and integrate hands-on learning.

As part of this project, the Tukwila School District is doing improvements to the existing school. The improvements are a more welcoming main entryway with single point access for security, expansion of the commons and cafeteria to provide interior and exterior spaces for students to gather and additional bleacher seating in the gymnasium for school sports and assemblies.

Rolluda said the design team it led collaborated with many groups including staff, administration and students to listen to their needs and expectations for the project to meet the district and school's learning environment goals. RAI led tours of other school districts' STEM and STEAM classrooms for faculty representatives so they could tell the firm what they liked and didn't like at each facility.

The primary objectives of the design were to support Showalter Middle School's vision to solve problems, achieve success, inspire others and live healthier, Rolluda said.

The architect said the total design and construction cost was $17.33 million, which does not including furniture, fixtures and equipment.

A one-story classroom building was demolished to make way for the STEAM classroom building.

The project team included Andy Johnson & Co., contractor; AHBL, civil engineer and landscape architect; Tres West Engineering, mechanical and electrical engineer; Reid Middleton, structural engineer; and Jb Iringan Consulting, cost estimator.