Atlas Preparatory School New Elementary
This project began as a master plan to evaluate renovating a former police substation into an elementary school, but ultimately the substation didn’t fit the needs of Atlas Prep’s unique educational model. Through a collaborative design and feasibility study process with project stakeholders, the advisory team and CM/GC it was determined the elementary program would be better served by a new school with a strong identity.
The initial police substation lacked an identifiable main entrance and renovating it presented challenges including awkward and irregular sized spaces for classrooms, parking complications and inadequate playground space. After studying available adjacent properties for future athletic facilities, FBT proposed a new school and athletic complex on a property across the street from the existing high school. Careful planning, creative solutions and economy of construction utilizing premanufactured building systems allowed us to fit a new-build school into the budget.
The new building includes Kindergarten through 4th grade classrooms with special attention to collaborative teaching spaces. A secure entrance with full visual control and protected age-appropriate playgrounds enhances campus safety and security. FBT also added a new multi-purpose gym, synthetic football field and running track. The athletic facilities are situated to serve all grade levels with attention to safety, ease of use and future expansion.
- Elementary School: 22,686 sf
- Multi-Purpose Gym: 14,351 sf
- Master Planning
- Programming
- Space Planning
- Interiors
- Landscape Architecture
- Safety & Security
- Project Based Learning Spaces
- Multipurpose Cafeteria/Gym
- Football Field & Running Track
- 2020, Rocky Mountain Excellence in Construction, Associated Builders & Contractors
News
Architects at Work
As we celebrate the back-to-school season, we want to commemorate the dedicated individuals who have grown with FBT, evolving from intern architects into leaders of our education studios. Through their unique experiences, these talented individuals have faced diverse challenges, honed their skills and gained invaluable insights that have shaped their careers and how we define […]
Designing Educational Spaces
At FBT Architects, the design of educational spaces goes beyond creating functional buildings; it’s about shaping environments that inspire and support learning at every stage. Whether the focus is on K-12 schools or higher education institutions, commitment to innovation and flexibility is unwavering. Susan Johnson, Higher Education Principal, and Kelly Jernigan, Director of the Colorado […]
Making Big Moves & Building a Brighter Future
Albuquerque The Magazine Architects Profile Feature In 1973, a small group of hungry architects came together with a vision to put pencil to draft paper and transform the burgeoning city of Albuquerque—one innovative design idea at a time. They never could have imagined 50 years later, their scrappy little architecture firm (yes, it was FBT […]
Employee Spotlight With Antonio Vigil
Antonio’s career journey has evolved through continual exploration. After ten years at a smaller firm focused on private development, he transitioned to FBT, where he has gained experience with large-scale, public-sector projects and collaborating with larger teams. This move has been crucial in Antonio’s growth as an architect, equipping him with the skills to create […]
Contributing to the Community and Discovering New Perspectives
Back in March, hundreds of inquisitive young minds from across New Mexico gathered for the multi-day Central NM STEM Research Challenge. The participants, which included elementary, middle and high school students, got to show off a STEM-based project they spent months researching. Their tireless efforts poured into small booths filled with tri-folded poster boards displaying […]
Employee Spotlight With Diana Duran
As a newly licensed architect, Diana’s journey with FBT has been marked by her unwavering dedication to excellence and her ability to seamlessly integrate innovative solutions into her work. Her story is a testament to the power of combining personal values with professional aspirations. Growing up, Diana’s family gatherings were always filled with a sense […]
Employee Spotlight With Henry Reitwiesner
Henry’s background on the client side as an educational facilities operator, in-house architect and owner’s representative makes him an invaluable resource for his colleagues in FBT’s Colorado Springs Office. He describes his role at FBT as a mentor. “I provide a perspective as a former client for others to reflect on,” he explains. Henry’s career […]
Groundbreaking for Cibola Loop Multi-Generational Center
The Cibola Loop Multi-Generational Center in northwest Albuquerque, designed by FBT Architects, broke ground on May 21, 2024. This 55,000 sf wellness center will feature fitness amenities including a climbing gym, an elevated indoor running track, a gymnasium and multi-use classrooms. Outdoor amenities will include athletic fields, trails and an amphitheater. Designed to meet the […]
Employee Spotlight With Allie McAlister
As FBT’s Marketing Manager, Allie has a way with communication and organization that stems from years of experience in the field. If she were to describe her role at FBT using a metaphor, it would be “herding sheep,” especially in proposal development. “Putting together a proposal is like putting together a puzzle, but the pieces […]
FBT Breaks Ground on Multiple Projects
The last couple of weeks have been filled with elation, gratitude and excitement as FBT Architects celebrate three groundbreaking ceremonies for projects across the region. These projects, spanning multiple offices and studios, include a wellness center for Taos Pueblo, a middle school for Atlas Prep in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a meeting house for The Twelfth […]