HomeMy WebLinkAboutELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT RIDGEWOOD HILLS ( COYOTE RIDGE) - SITE PLAN ADVISORY REVIEW - 28-06 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVES10/12/2006
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RE: Statement of Planning Objectives
elegant composition. Each facade was further broken down into clean planes and lines to bring the
scale down. The use of brick and two different metal panels allows to reinforce the definition of
various planes.
The colors selected are neutral and a representation of our Front Range landscape of warm beige,
light grays and blue.
The form of the building is a synthesis of educational, community, energy and cost goals. The
limited budget necessitates a design that will maximize every element built.
Development Phasing Schedule
The Ridgewood Hills Elementary School project is scheduled to be completed in a single phase. We
are anticipating a construction start date in February of 2007.
10/12/2006
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RE: Statement of Planning Objectives
Partial 2 story building
Future west addition of 4 classrooms for another 100 students
The design presented here is the collaborative effort of Bennett Wagner & Grody Architects team
with the Thompson School District Administration and Facilities Departments.
Site Organization
The site organization is a delicate balancing act between optimum school orientation and layout,
providing useful and enjoyable areas for play, and allowing for safe and efficient vehicular access.
As closely as possible, the academic wing has a long east to west orientation to optimize daylighting
access and control. The ancillary functions of the school are grouped in a north to south element
which not only addresses the primary street to the east (Avondale), but also serves to separate the
site for parking and drop-off to the east, and play areas to the west which abut the existing
neighborhood greenbelt.
Vehicular traffic is divided primarily between cars and busses. The busses have their own
turnaround loop along the north edge of the site to provide for better flow and improved student
safety. The parent drop off and parking for staff and visitors are combined into a lot at the southeast
corner of the site. Again, flow is improved by having a separate entry and exit, and safety is
improved by having the drop-off configured such that students do not cross traffic when getting out
of the car.
Finally, the play areas at the southwest corner of the site are placed to optimize access to the sun as
well as protection north winds and from vehicular traffic. They are also configured in such a way
that visual control of the entire play area is easily achieved by the minimum number of staff.
Educational Impact
The building is two-story in order to have a more compact building to fit on a small site, for energy
conservation, to enhance the presence of the building on the site, and for the long term
conservation of land. Educationally it was determined that all special programs should be located
on the first floor for access by all students and avoid sending the younger students on the second
floor. The 4" and 5" graders are located on the upper level.
ECE, Kindergarten and First grade classrooms are located in a separate wing on the lower level to be
able to access a separate ECE/kindergarten play area and provide easy access for parents.
The Gym, Music Room and Cafeteria are aligned so that the Music Room can be used as a stage
and the Cafeteria can be used as an accessory space to the performance space. The Cafeteria is
close to the parent drop off for easy access for before and after school programs. The Gymnasium
and Cafeteria open to the play yards.
The service area is located to keep students from crossing the path of vehicles where possible. It is
also in a location where service equipment can be hidden from the street and adjacent residences.
Exterior massing and materials
The character of the building is to be one that appeals to children as well as adults. Due to budget
constraints, the massing of the building was kept to very simple volumes articulated to provide an
BenneB
Wagner
8
12 October 2006
Gr04
Architects PC
Ms. Shelby Sommer
Associate Planner
City of Fort Collins
Current Planning
281 North College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
RE: Ridgewood Hills Elementary School
BWG Project # 0606.00
City of Fort Collins - Project Development Plan
Statement of Planning Objectives
Dear Shelby,
Thompson School District is beginning the process to construct a new Elementary School in the
Ridgewood Hills Subdivision within the city limits of Fort Collins. Two neighborhoods will feed into
the school, Ridgewood Hills where the school site is located and the Registry Ridge neighborhood.
Both areas are located in what was traditionally the buffer zone between Loveland and Fort Collins -
the last 'open spaces'.
We have chosen to design a building that is innovative without being harsh - an architecture that
incorporates the surrounding landscape, materials and colors that will satisfy the neighborhood
population. It is a careful organization of volumes and patterns which are crisp, clean and
contemporary.
Additionally Thompson School District aspires to create "High Performance Schools" that are
healthy, comfortable environments conducive to learning which maximize energy conservation.
Public schools for elementary education are permitted in the LMN - Low Density Mixed -Use
Neighborhood District, subject to a Type 2 (Planning and Zoning Board) public hearing.
Project Scope
Gross area of approx. 53,277 SF
Modified 3 rounds including K - 5" grade
• 2 ECE classrooms: 30 Students
• 2 Kindergarten classrooms with option of full day kindergarten: 45 students
• 3 1" grade classrooms: 75 students
• 2 each 2', V, 4" and 5" grade classrooms: 200 students
1301 WameSM • 1 Program room to be assigned as overflow classrooms: 25 students
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9mva. tdaaao • 1 Severe Nee Classroom: 15 Students
80204
303.623.7323 400 student capacity
FAX 303.623.2936
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