Eastgate Elementary gets a new, greener building


September 15, 2009 · 9:13 AM

  • 0
  • Print Story
  • Letter/Editor

Eastgate Elementary students and staff started their first day of school last week in a new facility - one that’s greener than the last thanks to a geothermal heating system that controls temperatures.

The heating system is expected to save the school around 40 percent on energy bills, according to the school district.

The new two-story school is 64,000 square feet, which is 24,000 square feet larger than the previous one. It includes 24 classrooms designed to maximize natural lighting.

Other changes include a full-size gym that doubles as a lunch room and performance area, an updated security system, environmentally-friendly synthetic turf under the play structures of the early child care center, and a cleaning of the 1950s-era tile mural outside the gym.

The new security system will lock all doors except the main entrance after school starts, while electronic key passes monitor staff who use the building during off hours and weekends.

The Eastgate rebuild cost the school district $24 million as part of a $324 bond issue approved by voters in 2002.

Comment on this story.

Community Blogroll

  • Cliff Mass Weather Blog
    Cliff Mass is a UW professor of Atmospheric Sciences. He blogs about the local in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Diverse|City
    A multicultural reporter's eye on race, traditions and lifestyles here together in the Northwest.
COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

blog comments powered by Disqus