The Prospect Elementary School Modernization was the pilot project of a major modernization program for Orange Unified School District.  The first phase of this program included nine schools.  The second phase, pending the passage of a local bond, will include 31 additional schools.

The District’s modernization program developed a typical classroom, administration, library, computer lab and food service functions – all of which we designed.  Each school will be brought up the to the level of the “District Standard”.  At one extreme, some schools will only need a facelift and some reconfiguration of the classroom casework.  At the other extreme is Prospect Elementary where an extensive reconstruction of the school was necessary.

In Prospect Elementary’s case, meeting the new District Standard involved the complete gutting and replacement of all interior partitions and finishes except for masonry walls.  This was due to a variety of reasons, ranging from replacement of non-functioning movable partitions to extensive asbestos contamination prompting replacement of the HVAC system.

A new electrical system throughout was planned to accommodate the power demands of new technology.  New energy efficient lighting was incorporated to increase the light level at an operational savings.  New signaling systems included fire alarm and voice-over IP that could also handle the bells and paging.

The “bones” of an audio/visual system was planned for each classroom enabling upgrading to full video projection to be accomplished at a later date (on a different budget,) at an obtainable cost.

Beyond the functional requirements, leaky windows, improperly drained mechanical wells and other poorly designed and/or constructed conditions were corrected.