Leaders from Pickering Associates and a renowned architect detailed plans for a state-of-the-art elementary school in north Parkersburg, set to open in 2027. This ambitious $55 million project aims to provide an innovative learning environment for the community’s youngest students.

Shaping the Future of Learning in Parkersburg

The presentation to the Wood County Board of Education on Tuesday night marked a significant milestone for the new consolidated elementary school in north Parkersburg. Ryan Taylor, President and CEO of Pickering Associates, along with Civil Engineer Tyler Eppley and Architect Christopher Mancuso, unveiled comprehensive details about this transformative educational facility. The project, estimated at $55 million, is scheduled to commence construction this fall, with completion slated for 2027.

A Vision for Modern Education

The new school will serve approximately 500 students from pre-K through fifth grade. Spanning 55,000 square feet, the building will predominantly be a single-story structure, featuring a two-story wing. Strategically located on a 10-acre site that once housed Lincoln Elementary and Van Devender Middle School, the design prioritizes traffic flow and safety.Eppley emphasized the importance of efficient traffic management. The site plan includes three distinct drop-off areas—one for pre-K and kindergarten, another for older students, and a dedicated bus zone. This separation ensures smoother operations and enhances student safety during drop-offs and pick-ups. The design maximizes stacking capacity, particularly for the larger drop-off area serving grades one through five, optimizing efficiency and minimizing congestion.

Innovative Design and Community Integration

Mancuso highlighted the architectural choices aimed at blending the new school seamlessly into the neighborhood. The exterior will feature masonry in shades of brown and dark gray, creating a harmonious visual connection with the surrounding environment. The stacked design not only bolsters structural integrity but also streamlines construction, ensuring walls, restrooms, and classrooms align perfectly between floors.The school will boast modern amenities, including a gymnasium, cafeteria, and outdoor play areas with direct classroom access. Notably, the gymnasium and cafeteria are designed to serve the broader community. These spaces can be accessed independently after hours, while the rest of the facility remains secure. Large windows in the cafeteria offer expansive views of the adjacent field, enhancing the dining experience and connecting students to nature.

Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

The project's timeline spans 22 months, with construction beginning in the fall of 2025 and an anticipated opening in the fall of 2027. By targeting this completion date, the district aims to welcome students for the 2027-2028 academic year. This new facility promises to be a cornerstone of education in Parkersburg, offering a modern, efficient, and state-of-the-art environment that supports both students and the wider community.The integration of sustainable practices and forward-thinking design principles underscores the commitment to providing a robust educational foundation. As the project progresses, it stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of all stakeholders involved, heralding a brighter future for education in Parkersburg.