Skip To Main Content

Color1 BG Container

District Nav

Landing Nav

Illahee Middle School Groundbreaking Celebration

  • Capital Projects
  • Press Release
Illahee Middle School Groundbreaking Celebration
Illahee Groundbreaking Ceremony

Federal Way Public Schools held a groundbreaking celebration for the brand-new Illahee Middle School on Thursday, June 15, 2023, to mark the start of construction on its new and improved building.

The current Illahee Middle School was originally built in 1971 and is the last of eight aging FWPS schools to be rebuilt under the phase 2 school construction bond. Completely rebuilding the school will address overcrowding and deteriorating facilities, among other things. During construction, scholars and staff will move to a temporary offsite location to await the new school, estimated to be completed after winter break in 2025.

The event featured remarks by superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, board president Trudy Davis, Illahee principal Brianna Ward, and Illahee scholars, Magaly and Nikol. Illahee’s enthusiastic mascot Royal also made a debut appearance, greeting guests and participating in the afternoon’s activities. The formal program ended with participants breaking ground, joined by elected officials, construction team members, and Illahee scholars and staff.

Following the program, guests had the chance to view architectural renderings, a 3D video of the building concept, and interior and exterior building materials and finishes. Members of the design-build team from Bassetti Architects and FORMA Construction were also present to answer questions about the project.

“There has been so much attention to detail in the design of the new Illahee building, from the modern classrooms to the collaborative spaces scholars will soon enjoy. I’m confident it will support academic exploration and success,” shared Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer. “Plus, the building will also pay homage to its previous campus through the brickwork detail, expansive athletic capacity, and more – all surrounded by lush and mature landscaping.”

“This opportunity to rebuild Illahee Middle School was only made possible by the investment of our community,” she continued. “We are so thankful to voters who continue to support our scholars.”

Campus features include:

  • Connection to Nature
    Scholars will enjoy biophilic design incorporated throughout, exterior learning and athletic courtyards, and prominent views of nature.
  • Improved Security
    The new school facility will include enhanced security features, including a fully enclosed perimeter, additional security cameras, and a secure welcome entry vestibule which connects to the main office.
  • Deliberate Tree Preservation
    The new campus design incorporates much of the campus’ mature tree landscaping and preserves as many trees as possible.
  • Improved Traffic Flow
    Separate bus loop and parent drop-off areas to reduce congestion and improve safety.

Scholars and the neighboring community can look forward to a state-of-the-art building that keeps the outdoors close and keeps academics, school pride, and athletics at the forefront.

 

Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedInShare to PinterestShare to EmailPrint this page
A person dressed in a full-body lion costume stands in front of a brick building, with colorful balloons visible in the background.
The image shows the entrance to Illahee Middle School, with a person dressed in a tiger costume standing in front of the school's sign. The background features trees and other outdoor elements, creating a scenic setting for the school's entrance.
The image shows the entrance to Illahee Middle School, with a group of students and a person in a bear costume standing in front of the building.
A brick middle school building with students and staff gathered outside, some dressed in costume, on a sunny day.
A woman in a blue robe stands at a podium, while a person in a tiger costume stands nearby in the background.
A group of people, both adults and children, are gathered in front of a brick building, some holding balloons, with a mound of dirt in the foreground.
The image shows a group of people, likely students, examining posters or displays on easels in what appears to be an exhibition or presentation setting.
The image shows a group of people, including a person dressed in a lion costume, posing together in a room decorated with various national flags.
The image shows a group of three people, two women and one man, posing with a large costumed character resembling a lion or other furry animal in what appears to be a school or community center setting with colorful walls and displays in the background.
A group of young people, mostly women, wearing various hoodies and t-shirts, standing together in what appears to be a school or university setting.
A group of men, including one dressed in a lion costume, standing together in a colorful, visually striking indoor setting.
A woman stands at a podium in front of a building, delivering a speech or presentation.