April 17, 2024
After a competitive search, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) in Columbus, Indiana, has selected Höweler + Yoon to design its new westside elementary school. The final decision was determined by a 16-member committee of BCSC administrators, teachers, a student, and community members.
Höweler + Yoon was one of four firms nominated by the Cummins Architecture Program to compete for the project. Designed in dialogue with Columbus’s rich architectural legacy, the new school will embrace innovative educational spaces. This project, part of the broader Envision 2030 facilities plan, marks BCSC's first new elementary school in over four decades and is set to accommodate the growing student population in the expanding western and southern parts of the city.
Dr. Brett Boezeman, BCSC's Director of Operations, expressed enthusiasm for Höweler + Yoon’s approach, highlighting how it aligns with the district's values. “Eric Howeler’s vision of designing through the eyes of a child not only inspired the committee but resonated deeply within our community. Höweler + Yoon’s approach of being a collaborator and a synthesizer will bring a fresh perspective to our new educational space, promising a future where both aesthetics and functionality go hand in hand,” Boezeman said in a statement.
With a capacity for 650 students, this new school represents a significant investment in the future of education in Columbus. Höweler + Yoon will be working alongside Indianapolis-based CSO, who will serve as the architect of record. The project will be overseen by Taylor Bros Construction and Pepper Construction.
Photography by Hadley Fruits.
