Palisades WLS Addition Project Updates

Project Manager’s Notes:

Soderstrom Architects has completed the Schematic Design phase, and the project is now moving into Design Development. The design team is refining program requirements and site strategies in coordination with District leadership as the project becomes more detailed.
 
The first round of focus group meetings has wrapped up, gathering meaningful feedback from staff and parents. These individual discussions were focused on general classrooms and extended learning areas, the innovation lab, library, administration, student services, site circulation, etc. This input is being incorporated as the design evolves, with additional engagement planned in the coming months.
 
To support early design decisions, the District has also brought on additional consultants to perform traffic engineering studies, geotechnical investigations, and related site assessments. These technical evaluations are helping establish a clearer understanding of existing conditions as the project progresses into the next phase.

Project Manager’s Notes:

The District has executed a contract with Soderstrom Architects for design services. A formal Notice to Proceed has been issued.

Soderstrom is currently advancing schematic design level planning and concept development, working closely with District leadership to align scope, educational program requirements, and site considerations before the team moves deeper into design refinement. This initial design package is scheduled for completion in the second week of April.

Engagement with school staff and parents continues to play an important role in shaping the project. Additional stakeholder meetings are planned throughout the coming months to ensure broader community input is incorporated as the design evolves. This ongoing coordination is helping establish a clear direction as the project progresses toward more detailed design phases.

Project Manager’s Notes:

• Following the recent design RFP process for the Palisades World Language School Addition, the District has completed fee discussions with Soderstrom, and the architect is now reviewing the Design Services Agreement as the team moves toward contract execution. In parallel, design efforts are progressing, with Soderstrom advancing early concepts and working with the District to refine and confirm the project’s scope of work.
• Stakeholder engagement has remained productive, providing valuable direction that is actively shaping the design. While the project remains in its early stages, the team is aligning program needs and laying the groundwork for schematic and design development.

Project Manager’s Notes:

Following the recent design RFP process for the Palisades WLS Addition, the district is finalizing scope details and fee discussions with Soderstrom, the selected architect, prior to executing the formal contract. Concurrently, the district and Soderstrom have begun early design programming efforts, developing initial schematic concepts and engaging key stakeholders to help shape the project’s needs, priorities, and overall direction.