Gruening MS Earthquake Recovery

Gruening Middle School suffered the most extensive damage of any Anchorage School District facility during the November 2018 earthquake. ExD worked closely with ASD for over a year to develop a comprehensive design solution that would not only restore the building, but make it safer, more functional, and aligned with future learning models.

Originally constructed in 1983 and immediately red-tagged after the quake, this school required significant structural and systems upgrades. The design team addressed a wide range of issues, from seismic reinforcement and roofing repairs to secure entries and updated mechanical, civil, and landscape systems. The result is a safer, more adaptable school with improved circulation, daylighting, and learning environments that are built to last.