The Oak Heights Elementary School renovation project was made possible by a $2.5 million Seismic Retrofit and Improvement Grant from Business Oregon. The school district also used Long Term Maintenance Funds to carry out further facility upgrades at the school. This approach allowed the district to take advantage of economies of scale during construction, reducing overall costs compared to completing the projects separately.
This is the fifth seismic grant that the Sweet Home School District has received from Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. Prior seismic grants have been used to upgrade the Sweet Home High School auditorium, Foster Elementary School, Hawthorne Elementary School and Holley Elementary School. The school district also made some seismic improvements at Sweet Home Junior High School as part of a 2017 voter approved bond that received a state matching grant.
Superintendent Terry Martin noted that the seismic upgrades and grants have greatly benefited both Sweet Home’s students and the wider community.
“We understand that Sweet Home operates with a limited tax base. It’s financially prudent for us to seek grants and tap into district savings to extend the lifespan of our school buildings,” said Martin. “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to enhance the learning environment at Oak Heights while also ensuring a safer building for our students and staff.”
Martin also noted that local contractors have completed a substantial amount of the work. Employing local businesses ensures that funds remain within the community, supports local residents, and enhances the local economy.
Seismic improvements included:
Wall Strengthening
Plywood sheathing was added to existing walls and new plywood sheathed walls were installed in select locations to better support the roof structure and minimize damage from ground shaking.
Roof Strengthening
New plywood decking was installed on the existing roof structure to improve its stiffness and strength during a seismic event.
Upgraded Wall and Roof Connections
By securely anchoring the walls and roofs together, the overall stability of the structure was improved, reducing the risk of collapse. Additional connections from the roof to new structural wall lines were made to add additional stiffness and improve the building’s response to ground shaking.
Gym Truss Upgrades
The bowstring trusses in the gym structure were strengthened to ensure they have adequate strength during a severe seismic event in order to prevent major damage and/or collapse.
Brick Veneer
Brick veneer was either removed or anchored in place in order to prevent fall danger and provide safe egress in case of a major seismic event.
Foundation Strengthening
In conjunction with the strengthening and construction of new plywood walls, foundations were reinforced to better support the structure and prevent damage from ground shaking.
Additional improvements included:
Additional improvements included:
- Installing a more secure front entrance facing Elm Street with improved surveillance so staff in the main office can easily see who is approaching the school
- Updating all classrooms with new energy efficient windows, LED lights, new ceiling acoustic tiles and new classroom projection systems
- Repurposing space allowing for an additional classroom.
- Replacing the exterior siding
- Redesigning the northwest corner of the school to create a more efficient office layout next to the new entrance and security vestibule
- Creating a new inviting library space with lots of natural light for students to use
- Installing new led lighting and acoustic ceiling tile through all the hallways
- Installing durable, long-lasting roofing.
- Improving climate control by upgrading the school’s HVAC system and insulating all exterior walls
- Adding a glulam beam supported covered entrance to the school
- Improving accessibility at the front entrance that complies with ADA requirements
- Landscaping improvements including a new flagpole and entry plaza facing Elm Street that includes stamped concrete features
- Upgrading flooring in certain areas
- Providing a secure storage location for bikes and skateboards