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EL CERRITO MIDDLE SCHOOL
CORONA, CALIFORNIA
Photography:
Daly Architectural Photography
Jury
Comments: The jury was impressed with the design
solution that not only converted an elementary school to a
middle school, but also reversed the orientation of the
campus by relocating the main entry to the opposite side of
the block. The design incorporates a combination of concrete
masonry units and steel canopy elements to create a mixed
use facility with a public presence, while maintaining
supervision and control of the school campus.
El Cerrito Middle School is an innovative
elementary-to-middle school conversion project that provides
new joint-use facilities, while integrating and reorganizing
the existing site and buildings.
Located in Corona, California, the terraced 13.65 acres existing school site was formerly occupied by an elementary school. The site is bordered by a masonry church to the east, El Cerrito Road to the south, Rudell Road to the north, and an undeveloped property to the west.
Life cycle requirements dictated the development of this “middle” school facility utilizing concrete masonry unit construction. Functionally, the campus organization was completely reversed with the main entry now placed directly on El Cerrito Road versus Rudell Road.
The administration office was strategically located to provide this public facility with the public presence it deserves, while ensuring proper supervision along the front of the school. Other buildings include a staff lounge, serving kitchen, lunch shelter, fitness center, gymnasium/multi-purpose room, locker rooms, a two-story science center and a media/library center.
To minimize life cycle costs and reduce day-to-day maintenance, exterior walls were constructed of contrasting bands of durable precision smooth face concrete masonry units. Hollow metal door and window frames with energy efficient glazing were also used to ensure continuity of the building envelope. Interior walls were painted a variety of colors that reflect the energy and excitement of students and staff. Other interior concrete masonry surfaces were left exposed with the alternating color bands of tan and red, accentuating the exterior finishes as part of a comprehensive color scheme.
ARCHITECT:
WLC Architects, Inc.
10470
Foothill Blvd.,
Tower Suite
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Glenn
Ueda, AIA
Principal in Charge
Jose’
Vallarta
Project Manager
Magdalena
Suen
Team Member
STRUCTURAL
ENGINEER:
K. B. Leung and Associates, Inc.
CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER:
Douglas Barnhart
MASONRY
CONTRACTOR:
Kretschmar and Smith, Inc.
BLOCK
PRODUCER:
ORCO Block Company, Inc.
OWNER:
Corona-Norco Unified School District
