The Westerly community celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new State Street Elementary School. This state-of-the-art facility marks the beginning of a transformative project.
The new 48,000 square foot elementary school is designed to serve 300 students in grades K-4. Situated on the site of the existing school, construction will proceed while the current building remains operational, ensuring minimal disruption to students and staff.
The project team TSKP STUDIO and Northeast Collaborative, is excited to embark on this journey to provide Westerly’s youngest learners with a cutting-edge, sustainable, and inspiring space for education. The architectural design emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency. Features include a high-performance building envelope that minimizes energy loss and heating systems powered entirely by heat pumps, eliminating the need for fossil fuels such as natural gas and propane.
Additionally, the design honors New England's historical and cultural character while incorporating biophilic principles to enhance student well-being. Large windows invite natural light, and the site’s outdoor spaces—including bioretention swales, a pollinator garden, and an outdoor courtyard—connect students to the surrounding wetland landscape.
This project represents a forward-thinking approach to education and sustainability. From the energy-efficient design to the integration of outdoor learning opportunities, every aspect of this school is crafted to benefit both students and the environment.
The new school is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026.
For more information about the State Street Elementary School project, please visit the School Building Project website: https://www.wpsri.org/quicklinks
OPM – Downes Construction
Construction Manager – O&G Industries
Associate Architect – Northeast Collaborative Architects
Case Study: State Street School – Westerly, RI
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