Last week, representatives from the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), project team, staff, students, and community members gathered to celebrate the start of construction of several projects across the district. Funded by Bond Measure B and designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA), the projects include the modernization of Wood Middle School as well as projects at Alameda High School and Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School.
Wood Middle School project
The largest of the Measure B projects now underway is a significant new construction and modernization project at Wood Middle School, which will result in a near complete campus replacement. Encompassing 48,000 square feet of new construction and 14,000 square feet of modernization, the project includes a new two-story classroom building, administration and library building, and gymnasium.
The decision to replace most buildings also allowed for reorientation of the campus and the addition of a new access road and parking lot with more than 70 off-street spaces. During multiple design meetings with families and staff, drop-off and pick-up safety concerns were addressed in the new design, creating more space for vehicles to line up. New outdoor learning and socialization spaces also were included, and will be open for community use outside of school hours. The project is being built by Lathrop Construction Associates and is expected to be completed in summer 2026.
“We want to thank the community for its support of Measure B, which is really a show of support for the youth of Alameda and their future,” said AUSD Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi. “These new facilities will provide a myriad of improved educational, arts and recreational opportunities for our students and residents. Multiple studies have shown that the spaces kids learn in are an integral part of the instructional experience and that having clean, functional spaces with natural light contributes to achievement, well-being and connectivity. We’re grateful to QKA and our contractor partners for working in collaboration with our incredible facilities and site teams throughout this process, resulting in projects that truly reflect the desires of their end users.”
Alameda High School upgrades
At Alameda High School, significant upgrades are being made to the aquatics facilities and Kofman Auditorium. Available for use by AUSD students and the City of Alameda, the Alameda High School Swim Center project includes a new 12-lane by 30-meter competition pool for swimming and water polo, a four-lane practice pool, new pool deck with lighting, and new fencing. Existing tennis courts are being reconfigured to allow for the second pool to be built. Work on the Kofman Auditorium includes replacement production lighting and new controls, an improved audio-visual system, new backstage dressing rooms and a new proscenium curtain, as well as several safety upgrades to the building. Lathrop is general contractor for the Swim Center and Alten Construction is building the Kofman Auditorium project.
Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium
Wrapping up the current wave of Measure B projects is a multi-sport stadium at Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School, being built by Bothman Construction. Accommodating soccer, football, and track and field events, the stadium will include new bleachers complete with an announcers’ box, a new stadium lighting system, landscaping, and site work. Work at both Alameda High School and Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School is slated for completion by fall 2025.
Looking ahead
“We are honored to be a trusted design partner of Alameda Unified School District for the realization of the Measure B projects,” said Joel Williams, studio leader at QKA. “We are thrilled to have this first wave of projects get underway and excited about the positive impact each will have for district stakeholders. In particular, Measure B includes several significant campus modernization projects for elementary and middle schools, which will revitalize those campuses and ensure that students and staff have beautiful and inspiring learning environments for many years to come.”
Also designed by QKA and built by Lathrop, the next Measure B project on the docket for AUSD is the modernization of Frank Otis Elementary School. This will include a new administration and library building, a two-story classroom building, and renovated sitework providing an academic quad and age-specific outdoor play areas. Groundbreaking for the project is expected in summer 2026
