Sugar Creek Consolidated Elementary School

West Terre Haute, Indiana

Firm

Lorenz Williams Clinton

Client

Vigo County School Corporation

Area

75,780 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,723,972

Completion Date

08/2004

This elementary school houses 450 students in 75,780 square feet of new space. It is organized into a lower elementary area, upper elementary area and community-use area that houses the cafeteria, stage, kitchen and gymnasium. The community-use spaces are accessible in the evening, and the remainder of the facility is kept off-limits and secure. Storage, planning and other support areas enhance the ability of teaching staff to provide the best service possible.
The site proved particularly challenging and shaped the building’s footprint, as well as the two-story configuration. While the new school was under construction, the existing 1922 building had to remain in operation. Along the western edge of the site was a deep, heavily wooded ravine. The new structure was sculpted to fit within the remaining area and takes advantage of the natural surroundings. What started as a difficult design challenge ended in an interesting and successful solution.