Kalama Elementary School was recognized with a Merit Award at the 2021 A4LE Polished Apple Awards, in a virtual ceremony held August 19. The program, hosted by the Washington Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments, recognizes excellence in planning and design for educational facilities in Washington State.
Following the criteria of A4LE’s national awards program, Washington’s Polished Apple recognizes exceptional educational projects that have a positive impact on teaching and learning, and integrate an inclusive, collaborative planning process that directly reflects the needs and expectations of the community.
Jurors particularly recognized Kalama Elementary for its architecural celebration of community legacy and integration of interior and exterior design elements that embody the pride and history of the Kalama community. The school’s interior organization, wayfinding and interior graphic themes were also commended.
The school also received third place recognition in the Primary Education category of the Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce's Top Projects awards, announced September 9. Now in its 24th year, Top Projects is a leading regional awards competition, showcasing outstanding projects across Oregon and Southwest Washington. BLRB's previous Top Projects winners include Troutdale Elementary School for the Reynolds School District and the Family Services Hub Addition for the Bethlehem Inn homeless shelter in Bend.
BLRB completed the replacement of Kalama Elementary School as part of the Kalama School District’s 2018 capital school construction bond. We’ve also been honored to serve the district for the remainder of their bond projects which include a new science center addition at Kalama High School, modernization and new construction for Kalama Middle School, and a variety of capital improvements.
You can learn more about the project and take a virtual tour below.