SC Biz News Top Projects 2025 – Pontiac Elementary

The $13.2 million renovation and addition of Pontiac Elementary School in Elgin successfully unified two previously disconnected educational programs while creating 93,456 square feet of enhanced learning space. Completed in September 2024, the project addressed a fundamental challenge where the Montessori School and Traditional School were described as “disconnected and at odds with each other, lacking a sense of wholeness.”

Goodwyn Mills Cawood, led by architect Justin Lucas, partnered with Harper General Contractors under David Fey to tackle the complex undertaking. The design team’s strategic decision to construct the addition within the existing central courtyard eliminated the need for additional land acquisition while enhancing security. This approach, often described as “building a ship in a bottle,” required all materials to pass through a single 18-foot, 4-inch opening without disrupting daily operations.

The new media center and related arts hub serves as a shared gathering space that encourages collaboration between students from different learning styles. The project transformed an underutilized courtyard into outdoor play and learning areas, extending classroom experiences beyond traditional boundaries.

Sustainability remained a priority throughout construction, incorporating high-performance insulation, LED lighting and efficient HVAC systems despite LEED certification not being required. The team implemented security glazing film on all exterior windows, providing additional protection while maintaining the building’s welcoming aesthetic.

The phased construction approach utilized existing portable classrooms to maintain educational programs during renovation. Additionally, the removal of non-load-bearing walls in Montessori classrooms created more flexible learning environments, while the former media center was converted into a centrally located multi-purpose gymnasium.