Fernway Elementary
Originally Constructed: 1926
Original Architect: Charles Schneider
Additions: 1958 southwest addition
2020 gut renovation + addition
by Van Aukins Akin, Architects
Building History:
Fernway suffered a significant fire due to apparent Contractor carelessness during a roofing work in July 2018. The district undertook a full $17.5m renovation including a 7,093 sq. foot expansion, which added a 'cafetorium', media center, elevator, and accessible entrance. The work was funded by $14.5m in insurance proceeds and $3m of district capital funds.
The Fernway project included significant community engagement efforts, with surveys to the community regarding the project as well as the playground, and weekly newsletter updates.
Costs for upcoming work at Fernway are funded by a portion of the bond levy approved by voters on the November 2023 ballot (Issue 13).
2025 Enrollment: 314 students (grades K-5)
(52 per grade average)
2024 Enrollment: 289 students (grades K-4)
(58 per grade average)
2020 Enrollment: 286 students
(57 per grade average)
2015 Enrollment: 352 students
(70 per grade average)
2024 Bldg. Capacity: 339 students
Playground: The playground area is approx. 24,000 sq. feet. Its 16,800 sq. ft. playground is the largest of Shaker's elementaries, with construction costs paid largely by a fundraising effort by the Shaker Schools Foundation which raised $304,874. A paved play area of approximately 7,200 sq. ft. is also provided.
The District maintains a page with information about the elementary school renovations here.
Renovation Architect: RPMI*
Architectural/engineering services and reimbursable expenses are performed under a $12 million blanket contract for facilities master plan work.
*RPMI is performing the project architectural work in partnership with GPD Group. They have divided responsibilities for the elementary schools between the two firms; RPMI has the primary responsibility for Fernway Elementary.
Construction Manager: Gilbane Building Co.
Building Area: 42,746 sq. ft.
Proposed Addition: 2,188 sq. ft. estimated
Site Area: 2.39 acres
Project Construction Budget:
Current budget: $1,233,815 renovations
$ 753,915 classroom addition
$1,986,730 total
Unit Cost: $ 29 per sq. ft. renovations
$344 per sq. ft. additions
Project Schedule:
A schedule for Fernway work has not been announced by the District. If sequenced after the completion of Boulevard/Onaway renovations, construction would begin in June of 2029 and continue through summer 2030.
Shared facilities: Design approaches to allow community use of Fernway interior spaces have not yet been developed.