The Knox County Board of Education is preparing to discuss a significant investment in the community's education infrastructure—nearly $44 million to build a new elementary school in the growing Farragut neighborhood. As reported by WVLT, the projected K-5 facility, pegged at a cost of $43.7 million and to be situated at the address 202 Village Commons Boulevard, will span over 144,000 square feet and is designed to accommodate up to 1,400 students.
The school's design features a one-story layout, with three classroom wings and includes provisions for "limited public street improvements parking, courtyard fences, fencing and playground/playfield." The discussion over the blueprint was scheduled yesterday, setting the stage for a final verdict during Thursday’s board meeting. In step with the Farragut community's support last year, documented concerns over space issues at existing education centers highlight the project's urgency, as detailed by WVLT.
The collaborative efforts of Merit Construction and McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects are behind the design and construction plans of the proposed school, as confirmed by WBIR. The latter's previous design for the University of Tennessee's Student Union and parts of the Webb School of Knoxville adds a signature of credibility to the project’s anticipated architectural finesse. While the timeframe for the school's completion is locked at roughly two years post commencement, the community has shown support, with feedback campaigns stretching as far back as 2023.
In addition to educational and functional spaces, the design includes a wing dedicated to storm sheltering, a feature that reflects community feedback. This input highlighted the need for adequate space while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining lower student populations for optimal learning environments. Despite initial concerns, including the proximity of young students to high school freshmen, the plan has progressed following extensive discussions and careful consideration of community input. "To ensure that we had growth and capacity for the town of Farragut for years to come," said Dr. Garfield Adams, assistant superintendent of operations at KCS, to WATE.
