Blach Construction (Blach) and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) recently completed a multi-phase conversion project at Fremont Unified School District’s (FUSD) Thornton Middle School (Thornton), effectively transforming the campus from a junior high to middle school. The expanded campus now includes a sixth-grade level, increasing the student population by nearly 50 percent.

The campus conversion showcases a recently completed two-story administration building, which now marks the entrance to campus and houses student support services and a library complete with collaboration space. Five new two-story classroom buildings totaling an additional 35,000 sq.ft. were completed in an earlier phase. In use since the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, these flexible classrooms and labs, necessary to accommodate the increase in student body, may adapt to support future programming changes. All existing classroom buildings, a multi-purpose building and locker rooms underwent extensive upgrades, and exterior campus features now include a new covered lunch/gathering space and a multitude of previously added athletics fields and sports courts. In all, the Thornton Middle School project encompassed 45,000 sq.ft. of new construction and 57,000 sq.ft. of modernization work.

“The modern and flexible educational and support spaces that now make up Thornton Middle School provide each grade level with inspiring facilities to learn and grow,” said QKA Principal John Dybczak. “This has been a complex and fulfilling project to see through to the finish line and the outcome is a testament to the teamwork of all parties involved.”

Minimizing disruptions to the campus and maintaining high degrees of quality during this extensive project was paramount to its success. Blach self-performed the structural concrete and utilized a panelized wall system for the five new classroom buildings. Wall panels were constructed at Blach’s in-house prefabrication shop and erected on site, maximizing safety for both workers and campus occupants and positively contributing to both schedule and budget goals. Additionally, Blach self-performed the wood framing for the new administration building, as well as the carpentry for the multiple building upgrades.

“With every aspect of the campus affected by the multiple phases of construction, advance planning and coordination were invaluable to project success,” said Brad Fannin, project executive at Blach. “From the prefabrication of wall panels to the sequencing of work, we employed solutions from the outset that would maintain functionality and safety for Thornton’s students and staff.”

Designed with sustainability goals in mind, the campus’s new buildings are solar ready and feature cool metal roofing panels, energy-efficient windows and LED lighting, high-efficiency mechanical systems, water-efficient plumbing fixtures and eco-friendly interior finishes. Further demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship, site improvements included bio-swales for stormwater management and the use of native, drought-tolerant plants.

“The new construction and renovated facilities at Thornton Middle School create the type of teaching and learning environment our students and staff deserve,” said FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack. “I thank the skilled and professional project team for ensuring we were heard and felt confident throughout the multiple phases of this project.”