The new Knoxville K-8 campus is more than a building replacement project—it's the creation of a unified educational environment that reflects the pride and identity of the Knoxville community. Guided by the district theme of "We Are Knoxville", the design thoughtfully combines a repurposed existing facility with new construction, creating one cohesive and compelling campus experience.
The project features a clear, welcoming main entry that is pulled away from the street, improving safety, visibility, and campus identity. Seperate bus drop-off areas and strong connections to the adjacent high school strengthen site organization and circulation. Inside, existing spaces are strategically repurposed to create a new commons area at the heart of the school, providing flexible opportunities for collaboration, displays, gathering, and student engagement. Shared spaces adjacent to the new gymnasium create additional opportunity for activation and community connection. Natural light, views to nature, and welcoming interior environments enhance the overall learning experience, while supporting student and staff well-being and engagement. Junior high spaces incorporate Knoxville's blue and gold school colors to reinforce school pride, while elementary areas embrace additional color and playful energy appropriate for young learners.
- 49,569 s.f. Renovation
- 32,541 s.f. Addition
- Welcoming Main Entry
- Flexible Commons Space
The Prairie Central PK-4 Elementary school is an opportunity to unify elementary programming under one roof for the first time in district history. Not only will it mark a new location for educational programming in the district, it also will be planned to allow for future programming needs, including expansion to a PK-5 or PK-8 school in the distant future. The building is designed to support roughly 800 students with five smaller flexible environments or zones within the space.
In 2021, voters approved a $35 million dollar referendum, called, “Safe Schools, Safe Kids.” Bierbaum required building additions and interior modifications to accommodate their increasing enrollment, and enhance safety and security measures.
After completing a community engagement process and passing a referendum, this district’s iconic, historic building received much needed upgrades. This high-achieving district now features facilities that are up to par with their high-quality academic, fine arts and athletic performance standards.