McCarver Elementary School

 

​News & updates

Take a video tour of the new McCarver

About this project

This project brings McCarver up to the most current local building codes and educational standards. Construction began in June 2015 and the school reopened in September 2016.

This historic renovation includes:

Retaining the existing three-story, 83,000-square-foot elementary school, including preservation of the McCarver Square library as a common area.

Seismic upgrade for interior and exterior masonry.

Update to current ADA standards (add elevator).

Envelope improvements to meet Washington State Energy Code.

Addressing acoustic comfort.

State-of-the-art furniture and technology.

Community resource center inside the building with separate entrance and controlled access into the elementary school.

Modernization of 1924 historic school.

Square footage: 83,000
Student capacity: 450
Total projected cost: $39,394,059 (1/20/17)
Status: 99.99% complete
Open date: Sept. 7, 2016
Architect: DLR Group
Contractor: Skanska USA

​Archive

Drone's Eye View of Construction​

In December (2015), the Public Information Office toured McCarver and put together a short video highlighting current progress at the school. The historic elementary school has been a neighborhood landmark and a symbol for educational experimentation on Tacoma’s Hilltop since 1925—nearly 100 years. ​

The $39 million renovation includes a community resource center inside the building with separate entrance and controlled access into the elementary school. McCarver will reopen to students fall 2016. Thank you tax payers for your strong support of public schools in Tacoma. And thanks to construction contractor Skanska USA for bringing McCarver into the 21st Century.​