January 2006

Design of new Lynnwood High takes next steps
Next phase includes specific design development of classrooms, offices

Edmonds School District’s schematic designs for the new Lynnwood High School are almost complete. After presenting the designs to the School Board on January 24, the District will move forward into phase two of the plans: design development.

“We’ve set the basic floor plan and site layout,” said Ed Peters, Director of Capital Projects for the District. “Now the Design Team is meeting with staff to work out the details of how each room will be laid out. Where are the windows and counter? How many bookshelves? What kinds of technology and special equipment? It’s like going from an outline or rough draft to a more complete story.”

The design calls for the school to be built in a central location on the 40-acre site off North Road, approximately a three-and-a-half mile drive (one mile directly) east of the current Lynnwood High. The new school will be located at 18217 North Road. This location allows easy accessibility to athletic fields and uses the existing forest as a buffer between the school and area residents. The Design Review Committee, which included teachers, administrators, parents, and community members, spearheaded the process and also set other priorities for placement of the building on the site that would provide a strong central place that is maintenance- and environmentally friendly.

The building plans have classroom areas built around a central agora, or marketplace, area. Flexibility for the school is important, and this design allows for a variety of educational and enrichment program offerings.