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Van Buren Elementary

Located in Cedar Rapids, IA

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Van Buren Elementary is a school rich in tradition, where the sound of an 1883 bell still marks the start of each school day. As enrollment has increased and the surrounding neighborhood has grown more diverse, Cedar Rapids Community School District saw the need for a school building that could match the community’s evolving needs, while honoring its strong identity.

The new Van Buren Elementary is designed to support a growing number of students, including a large population of English Language Learners. By adding needed classroom space, creating dedicated areas for language instruction, and addressing long-standing accessibility issues, the district ensures that every student can fully participate in their education with dignity. Installing a new elevator and ADA-compliant restrooms, including facilities specifically designed for mobile-dependent students, on both levels, will ensure that all areas of the school are accessible. At the same time, clearer circulation paths and wayfinding elements will improve safety and ease of movement throughout the building.

Input from staff, families, and students helped shape every decision, from how spaces are used to how the building feels. The final design reflects that voice, with an open, flexible, and easy-to-navigate layout. The exterior is natural, welcoming, and timeless, while the interior feels natural, vibrant, and connected. The district is building a future-ready school that still feels like Van Buren.

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