Project Status Report & Summer Logistics Update

Dear Fircrest Neighbors and Families,

July is proving to be an incredibly active month on the Whittier Elementary campus.  If you have passed by recently, you have likely noticed a major shift in the landscape as we transition from site preparation to active structural construction.

We are making fantastic progress, and we want to keep you fully informed of what our crews are working on this month.

🏗️Where We Are Today: Foundation Work Underway

Our teams hit several major targets over the last few weeks as we officially transitioned into the heavy construction phase.

  • Pre-K Demolition Complete: The existing Pre-K building has been successfully demolished, and crews are currently wrapping up the removal of debris from the site.
  • Pouring Foundations: Footings and foundations for the new school building are actively being poured.
  • Going Vertical & Utilities: Deep utility installation remains ongoing across the site, and crews are busy working on forming foundations and walls as we prepare to pour the building’s slabs.
🗓️ Upcoming Key Date: Alameda Sidewalk Preparation and Placement
Neighbors and community members can expect work on Alameda throughout July.  This work is scheduled during the summer, so sidewalk improvements are complete prior to the upcoming school year.  Please reduce speed, watch for flaggers and expect pedestrian and traffic detours.

🚧 Critical Traffic, Safety & Neighborhood Impacts

With heavy machinery and active construction occupying the areas surrounding the school, public safety is our absolute priority.  Please carefully note the following updates regarding neighborhood streets:

      • Annapolis Street (1-Year Closure Reminder): A portion of Annapolis Street (between Paradise Ln and Elm Tree Lane) is entirely closed to support construction activities for the next year.
      • ⚠️ Safety Notice: We strictly request that all cars, cyclists, dog walkers, and pedestrians refrain from attempting to use Annapolis Street.  It is an active construction zone reserved exclusively for construction personnel and heavy equipment.  Please use alternative routes to keep yourself and our crews safe.
      • Alameda Street Utility Work: Active utility crossing work on Alameda St. is moving quickly and is on track to wrap up around the middle of July.  The first utility crossing is scheduled for completion the week of July 13th.
      • Sidewalk Replacement: Following the utility crossings, brand-new sidewalk installation along Alameda Street will being at the end of July.  Please continue to watch for flaggers and expect minor delays.
      • Whittier ES Main Parking Lot: The school’s main entrance and parking lot remain closed to the public for the summer months to accommodate utility rerouting.

🎒 Fall Reminder: Revised Drop-Off & Pick-Up Plan (Valet System)

While school is out for the summer, we want to continually remind families to prepare for the modified layout coming this September.

Because active construction zones will remain right up against school operations, there will be a revised parent pick-up and drop-off process in play for the 26’–27’ school year. (See attached Valet Exhibit)

      • Review the Plan: Please take a moment to review the attached traffic exhibit/map to familiarize yourself with the temporary flow before the first day of school.
      • Utilize the Bus: To help prevent traffic backup and overflow queuing onto Alameda Street, we strongly encourage families to utilize bus transportation this year.

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

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.

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