{"id":886,"date":"2022-07-12T20:10:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-12T20:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmb.com\/?post_type=work&p=886"},"modified":"2025-08-22T15:25:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T15:25:12","slug":"saugatuck-douglas-elementary","status":"publish","type":"work","link":"https:\/\/gmb.com\/work\/saugatuck-douglas-elementary\/","title":{"rendered":"Saugatuck Public Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Douglas Elementary School<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Saugatuck, MI | Completed 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saugatuck Public Schools successfully passed a $35.6 million bond in 2020 to update their district\u2019s aging elementary and middle \/ high school facilities. Significant upgrades to Douglas Elementary School, originally built in the early 1950s, were proposed to enhance the students\u2019 overall learning environment. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with infrastructure improvements, the updated school design brings new opportunities to students through modern education spaces, flexible furniture, outdoor-based learning, and collaborative-focused commons areas. This project also rethinks the main entrance to enhance hospitality and security, creating a positive and welcoming first impression that is \u201cUniquely Saugatuck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two learning commons at the heart of the facility were a focal point of the renovation. With the goal of increasing attraction to the core spaces of the elementary school, the learning commons create a welcoming environment that draws students in to engage with the extended learning areas and new technology. A new student support area near the commons center also offers special education and counseling services that are easily accessible to the whole building. Creating transparent connections, internally and externally, creates excitement around the learning that is visible and increases natural light throughout the building. Throughout the facility, expanded classrooms spaces, new lockers, and refreshed aesthetics will carry on the welcoming feeling to early learners. Renovated science, music, and art spaces also give students up-to-date materials that enhance their curriculum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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