Photo by Max Mikhaylenko/Variable Visuals, courtesy of LSW Architects The grand opening for Clark College’s $40 million STEM building in Vancouver is scheduled for Oct. 3. LSW Architects is the designer and Skanska is the general contractor.

When does renovating a school mean bringing it ‘up to code’?
Seismic improvements aren’t always necessary, particularly for newer buildings or smaller projects. Still, deciding which upgrades to make can take some work.
By CRAIG STAUFFER and BRET MADDOX
PCS Structural Solutions

New Mount Si High will sit atop 4,800 stone columns
Poor soils forced designers to get creative. The 3-foot-diameter columns will filter groundwater drainage and protect against earthquakes.
By BORIS SRDAR and MATT RUMBAUGH
NAC Architecture

How to design a school restroom that works for everyone
It’s not just transgender students who want privacy. Some schools are replacing “gang-style” restrooms with gender-inclusive restrooms that have fully enclosed toilet rooms and shared sink areas.
By JOANN HINDMARSH WILCOX and KURT HAAPALA
Mahlum Architects

School projects in remote Alaskan villages face tall hurdles
Since construction sites are completely off the road system, building materials must be delivered by barge. If materials don’t make it in the summer before the rivers start to freeze, construction can be delayed an entire year.
By DALE SMYTHE
Stantec

Lynden Elementary: from concept to completion in 22 months flat
Cooperation from local decision-makers helped the design team stick to a fast-track schedule.
By DENNIS ERWOOD and STEVE LEE
Studio Meng Strazzara

Learning center in Tacoma Park will serve students and the community
Tacoma Public Schools is working with Metro Parks Tacoma and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium on a shared building for classes, workshops, conferences and more.
By MICHAEL MCGAVOCK
McGranahan Architects

Clark College creating a regional hub for STEM
The $40 million project answers a call from local employers for more science and engineering graduates.
By CASEY WYCKOFF
LSW Architects

‘Dark,’ ‘maze-like’ student union gets a big makeover
Construction begins this fall to renovate Eastern Washington University’s confusing Pence Union Building.
By ANTHONY GIANOPOULOS
Perkins+Will

Tahoma School District responds quickly to surging enrollment
Construction of the state’s largest high school is underway, and contractors are upgrading four other schools in just 53 days.
By DAN CURTISS
Skanska USA Building