Lemme Elementary Addition & Renovations

Shive-Hattery, Inc

Recognitions: K-12 Projects 2022

Project Description

In 1970, a school opened in Iowa City named after local resident and human rights activist, Helen Lemme. It became home to students in kindergarten through sixth grade who developed a culture of learning, acceptance, service, and pride that still exists today. The facility no longer embodied these experiences of staff and students; a transformation was needed. The renovation and addition of Lemme had several goals; improve safety, comfort, and technology, add capacity and accessible instructional spaces, improve energy efficiency, and create a more inclusive, welcoming, and approachable facility. A pivotal part of the design included an addition of a new main entrance complete with secure entry vestibule, large reception area to welcome students and family, offices for staff, meeting and small group work and a new health room with an accessible restroom and shower. The new entry is transparent to connect visitors and staff visually through their approach to the building. The yellow canopy anchors the entrance, beckoning visitors toward the building. The yellow band points like an arrow, toward the large letters highlighting the school’s name. When juxtaposed with the dark, hollow, and non-descript former entry, this new, transparent, and prominent facade is a welcoming place to connect with the facility. Circulation and wayfinding were focal points of improvements, adding distinct corridors to classrooms. This creative reconfiguration of circulation reduces distractions and lost instructional time while maintaining the unique personality of the building; formerly an open-plan concept set within the framework of a hexagonally shaped structure. Fully renovated restrooms to create all-inclusive facilities, single user facilities and gender specific facilities provide opportunities for all students to feel comfortable in the school setting. In addition to these improvements, a new gym, art, and music classrooms were included along with renovation of the kitchen, media center and existing classrooms.