The multimillion-dollar modernization of Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School in Chula Vista was recently honored by the Coalition of Adequate School Housing and the American Institute of Architects California Council for the design work.
The honors, named after former California state Sen. Leroy F. Greene, were presented earlier this month at the coalition’s annual convention in Sacramento.
The school, in the Chula Vista Elementary School District, was modernized over 72 days last summer and basically given new life.
“Juarez-Lincoln was built in 1970, but today (because of the modernization) it is a brand new school,” said Connie Smith, the school’s principal. “They pulled all of the buildings together in such a unique way that this is a place that children just love to be.”
Carlsbad design firm Ruhnau Ruhnau Associates was honored by the architect council for its work. The firm designed the repairs and renovations of the school to meet modern standards for safety and education programs with an emphasis on technology.
Construction work, estimated at more than $9 million, was managed by San Diego firm Douglas E. Barnhart, Inc. The work doubled the school’s capacity to 32 rooms, each measuring 960 square feet.
The modernization effort includes computer, voice and television systems with a teacher’s control center in each room. Internet, cable television access, and on-campus broadcast capabilities are also featured in all classrooms.
The school’s electrical power service and distribution systems were upgraded, in addition to fire alarm systems, instruction alarm systems, computer network, TV distribution systems, and telephone systems. New plumbing, landscaping and irrigation systems, as well as metal roof covered walkways were added.
The project was made possible as a result of the Chula Vista district’s $95 million bond and state modernization funding.
“I think that this is one of the clearest examples of the community making a commitment and seeing where their dollars actually are,” Smith said. “They can see exactly the plan that was outlined in the bond.
“They feel ownership. They made this happen.”
Ruhnau and Barnhart teamed up last summer to renovate several schools throughout the Chula Vista District including: Lauderbach, Mueller, Halecrest, Hazel Goes Cook, and Palomar elementary schools.
