Project Status Report & Summer Logistics Update
With the school year wrapping up, the transformation of the Whittier Elementary campus is officially underway. Thanks to the incredible cooperation of staff, students, and neighbors, the initial site mobilization went smoothly in May.
As we transition into the summer months, you will see a significant shift in activity on-site. Here is what is happening next, what to expect around the neighborhood, and how we are preparing for the upcoming school year.
🏗️Where We Are Today: 90% Design & Early Earthwork
We have reached another major project checkpoint, having officially advanced to the 90% Design Drawings. Our team is currently working through final permit coordination and responses with the City to ensure everything aligned for major construction.
On the ground, our crews have transitioned into the early earthwork phase. We are currently removing old hardscapes and preparing to begin clearing and grading the exact footprint of the new building.
| 🗓️ Key Date: Pre-K Demolition Neighbors can expect to see a notable increase in activity toward the end of the month. Demolition of the existing Pre-K building is scheduled to begin on or around the first week of July. As always, dust control and safety protocols will be strictly enforced during this process. |
🚧 Summer Traffic & Neighborhood Impacts
To facilitate heavy utility rerouting and active construction over the summer, there will be significant changes to traffic and access around the campus starting immediately after the current school year concludes:
- Annapolis Street Partial Closure: A portion of Annapolis Street located on the South and East side of the school—between Paradise Ln and Elm Tree Ln—will be completely closed to the public to support construction activities starting June 22nd. This closure will remain in place until further notice.
- Alameda Street Utility Work: In addition to on-site construction, crews will be performing two utility crossings and installing a brand-new sidewalk on Alameda Ave between Elm Tree Ln and Annapolis St over the summer months. Please watch for flaggers and potential minor delays in this area.
- Main Entrance & Parking Lot Closure: The school’s main entrance and main parking lot will be closed and occupied by construction teams for the duration of the summer to allow for critical utility rerouting.
🎒 Fall Preview: Preparing for the 2026–2027 School Year
While summer is just beginning, we want to give families ample time to prepare for the significant changes coming this fall.
Because the traditional campus access will be altered, there will be a completely revised parent pick-up and drop-off process for the 26’–27’ school year. (See attached Valet Exhibit)
- The Main Parking Lot: To clarify, the closure of the main entrance and parking lot is strictly for the summer months to allow for utility work. The main parking lot will reopen for school use when the 26’–27’ school year begins.
- Revised Drop-Off & Pick-Up (Valet System): Because other areas of the campus will remain active construction zones, there will be a revised parent valet process in place this fall. Please carefully review the attached valet exhibit/map to familiarize yourself with the new temporary flow before the first day of school. This will remain in effect for the entirety of the 26’-27’ school year. Note: Drop off location is only to occur at the designated area located near the Existing Covered Play.
- Consider the Bus: Due to the modified layout, we highly encourage families to utilize school bus transportation for the upcoming year. This will drastically help mitigate traffic overflow and queuing onto Alameda Street, making the daily commute safer and faster for everyone.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, patience, and enthusiasm as we build a modern space for Fircrest’s students to thrive.
Best regards,
The Whittier Elementary Project Team
Cornerstone General Contractors
For ongoing project updates, please visit the Tacoma Schools project webpage:
Whittier Elementary School Replacement Project – Tacoma Public Schools
For questions about the project, please contact:
Paul Popovich, Project Manager, 253-208-7831 or ppopovi2@tacoma.k12.wa.us
WHITTIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Whittier Elementary School, built in 1962, serves Kindergarten – 3rd grade students in Fircrest.
The existing Whittier will be replaced with a new school, which is targeted to be completed in time for the Fall 2027 school year.
The project is funded by the $535 million school construction bond voters passed in 2020.
Additional information can be found on the Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) school construction page at Whittier Elementary School – Tacoma Public Schools.
WHITTIER ELEMENTARY CONCEPTUAL DRAWING
RECENT UPDATES – MARCH 2026
Presentation to City Council – February 17, 2026
Design Progress
As the design develops, the project team is preserving many of the site’s prominent existing trees, helping maintain the character of the campus while providing access to nature and supporting outdoor learning spaces. The plans include interactive playgrounds designed to accommodate a range of play and learning styles, including a traffic garden where students can learn bike and pedestrian safety. Additionally, space is being reserved for a future school and community garden that can grow alongside the Whittier community.
The building design continues to support Whittier’s educational needs, serving students Pre-K through 3rd grade. A dedicated space for the SUCCESS program has been added. The SUCCESS program is a Kindergarten through 2nd-grade self-contained special education program serving students from across the District who require significant support and receive specially designed instruction for the majority of their day.
Permitting & Technical Work
Permitting with the City of Fircrest is ongoing, with continued coordination to meet City requirements and obtain a Conditional Use Permit. In parallel, the Design-Build team is preparing building and site permit packages, which are anticipated to be submitted in late February. This work helps keep the project on track for construction to begin on time.
Looking Ahead
Construction is anticipated to begin in May 2026 and continue through December 2027 in multiple phases. School operations will remain unchanged until construction begins, and students and staff will stay on campus throughout the project.
As construction approaches, more detailed information will be shared regarding operational modifications, safety measures, and campus logistics. Student safety will remain a top priority, and the District will provide clear communication well in advance of any changes that may affect student drop-off/pick-up and daily school activities.
The City and Tacoma Public Schools appreciate the continued involvement and support of the Whittier community and look forward to sharing additional updates as the project reaches upcoming milestones.
Stay Connected!
For more details and updates, visit Whittier’s construction website, where you can share feedback and read a list of frequently asked questions.