Only three major projects remained by this summer in the Federal Way Public School District’s Phase 2 construction bond approved by voters in 2017. Here’s a rundown on those projects, and when they’re expected to be complete.
Olympic View K-8
Twin Lakes neighborhood students at Olympic View K-8 will walk into a brand-new school this fall. The district broke ground on the school on Feb. 24, 2022, and it’s now ready for new students.
Principal Dr. Jenai Choi, who previously has been a teacher, interventionist and assistant principal at the school, expressed enthusiasm for the new school year at the new Olympic View.
“This building, it’s just phenomenal,” Choi said. “We have lots of features that are focused on it being a community school. … It was developed … focusing on student, staff and family voice.”
That includes a family center where family members can share a meal and visit the PTA office, and a discovery lab for community events and student learning that opens to a school rain garden.
Unlike the previous building, the cafeteria and gymnasium are now separate spaces — “that’s a big one,” Choi said.
The new Olympic View will have capacity for 600 K-8 students. McGranahan Architects and FORMA Construction were attached to the project.
Federal Way Memorial Stadium
The school district broke ground Feb. 1 on the demolition of the 71-year-old Federal Way Memorial Stadium, which for generations played host to football games and track meets down the hill from Federal Way High School.
The new stadium will feature upgraded security, a new track and turf field and space for 4,000 spectators. Its design-build team is BNBuilders, Inc. and McGranahan Architects.
The district anticipates the stadium will be complete in late September / early October.
Illahee Middle School
Groundbreaking began June 15 at the site of the new Illahee Middle School, which is estimated to be finished after winter break in 2025.
The current middle school building was built in 1971. The rebuild will address overcrowding and deteriorating facilities, according to FWPS, with room for 800 students when finished. Bassetti Architects and FORMA Construction are attached to the project.
Until construction is done, students and staff will use a temporary location. The design of the new school will follow modern trends in school design emphasizing security. It will have a fully enclosed perimeter, more security cameras and a secure entry vestibule that connects to the main office, according to FWPS.
FWPS bond projects already completed:
New Mirror Lake Elementary School (Opened Winter 2020)
New Wildwood Elementary School (Opened Winter 2021)
New Evergreen Middle School (Opened Winter 2021)
New Lake Grove Elementary School (Opened Fall 2021)
New Thomas Jefferson High School (Opened Fall 2021)
New Star Lake Elementary School (Opened Fall 2022)