Built in 1924, South Side Elementary is the oldest elementary facility in the Champaign School District. The original facility was designed during a time when children would walk to and from school, and aside from technological upgrades, few changes had been made to modernize the building since its original construction.
An addition and renovation includes a new gym, dining commons, administration offices, library and three flexible-learning classrooms. To improve safety and security, a tornado shelter was added, along with updated entry controls and advanced camera systems.
Environmental graphics reinforce the traditions and focus of the historic South Side program with star motifs and emphasis on every student reaching their potential.
- 29,000 Square Foot Renovation
- 15,000 Square Foot Addition
- New Gymnasium
- Dining Commons
- Administration Offices
- Flexible Learning Classrooms
- New Library/Media Center
- Upgraded Security Features
- Branded Environments
As one of the oldest Elementaries in the district, the facility needed upgrades to the structure as well as the educational needs for programming.
The renovated facility provides a modern and engaging environment that still preserves the historic character of the school.
Star motif used throughout, including the flooring design in the commons and graphics on the walls and windows, along with the motto ‘Stars Shine Here’
Large banners in the commons remind students to ‘Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Respectful, and Be Ready’
Classroom corridors use photos of South Side students from a school-wide project, ‘Best of Me’
Each grade environment is branded with a different color to aid with wayfinding
The Mahomet-Seymour School District wanted to take advantage of their high school expansion to create an image that reflected the strong civic pride in their school’s education, music and athletic programs.
A new Elementary School was proposed to help the district replace the approximately 80,000 s.f. of outdated, non-functional, and rigid elementary spaces housed at Lincoln (3-5) and Washington (PK-2).
With the implementation of a county-wide sales tax that provided additional funds to public schools across the region, the Mt. Zion School board wanted to invest funds into facilities that bolstered the community's small town traditions. The new athletics field house and auditorium within Mt. Zion High School provide ample space for a myriad of academic and civic events.