Patch Barracks will be home to a Department of Defense Education Activity – Europe 21st-century elementary school. The first-ever, 21st-century school to be built for DoDEA-Europe in Stuttgart.
Officials with Europe District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony March 1 with representatives from Patch Elementary School and DoDEA-Europe, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, the Staatliches Hochbauamt Stuttgart and contractors Peter Gross Hoch und Tiefbau and Wolff & Müller Government Services, a joint-venture partnership for the construction.
At nearly 115,000 square feet, the facilty was designed for almost 550 students from prekindergarten through fifth grade. Its sustainability features include low-flow plumbing that will reduce water consumption by 38 percent, resulting in an estimated annual saving of 250,000 gallons of water and energy conservation measures that will reduce annual energy consumption by 60 percent, which will save an estimated $170,000 annually, according to district planners.
Steve Ross, a senior project manager for DoDEA-Europe construction and chief of the district’s Project Management Central Section, said the new facility will give students an environment to excel in learning.
“Twenty-first-century schools are smart buildings,” Ross said. “This facility will actually be a teaching tool, to re-enforce STEM curriculum. Flexible neighborhoods include learning studios, learning hubs and one-to-one spaces. The moveable walls lead to more collaboration. The programmed cost of the school is approximately $50 million.
During the ceremony, Col. John Baker, district commander, said, “Working in conjunction with the German government and German industry to deliver these projects benefit all of us … to enhance community and quality of life for Soldiers and families.”
He presented Beverly Erdmann, Patch Elementary School principal, with a plaque, personalized hard hat and reflective vest.
“You have a standing invitation to visit the project to ensure we are delivering the quality facility that you and your students and faculty deserve,” Baker said.
This project was in the works for a very long time, said Garrison Commander Col. Neal Corson, and its impact can’t be overstated. Not only does it support DoDEA’s 21st-century curriculum standard, but comes with a 160-space parking deck that will help the community’s parking problem.
The parking facility is expected to be completed by fall and the school is scheduled to open for the 2021 school year.
Click the photo below to view the full photo album:
