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Lowell Elementary School was designed to create a welcoming, inclusive learning environment that reflects the unique character of Tacoma’s North End community. Developed in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools and Korsmo Construction through a Progressive Design-Build process, the new 50,000 SF school serves 500 students while balancing educational goals, sustainability, neighborhood context, and student experience.
Built on one of the district's most challenging urban sites, the steeply sloping property inspired innovative design solutions that preserve mature trees, respect neighborhood views, and maximize site functionality. Lowell is also the district's first educational project to incorporate cross-laminated timber (CLT), with exposed structural wood bringing warmth and a visible expression of sustainable design throughout the building.
Architecture, interiors, and experiential graphics foster a strong sense of identity and belonging through Pacific Northwest themes inspired by ocean, mountain, and sky environments. Original artwork and a historic mosaic from the 1949 school were thoughtfully integrated into the new facility, connecting past and present generations of the Lowell community while celebrating creativity, student expression, and Lowell's enduring connection to the Tacoma community.
This complete rebuild of Lowell Elementary School in Tacoma is currently entering its final stages of construction and is on track to open for students in September 2026.
