8442 S. Park Ave., Tacoma WA 98444
The old Fern Hill Elementary School building was opened in 1911 at a cost of just $13,944. Almost 100 years and five remodels later, the second oldest school in Tacoma received a major makeover, thanks to the passage of the 2001 bond.
The design concept of the school was to reuse and upgrade the historic, three-story building while expanding it to add new facilities to help increase student learning. As with any project on a building as old as Fern Hill, the architects and contractors took great care to ensure the new façade reflected the historical look and feel of the original structure.
The new-and-improved main building remained the home of the first through fifth grade classrooms. Meanwhile, two new additions were placed on either side of the original structure. The additions house the administration offices, kindergarten, special education and gymnasium.
Also included in the building was a new bell tower to provide visibility for the historic bell, which has been with the school since 1888.
Construction was completed in September 2006.