The new Hermosa Vista School in Hermosa Beach, CA, designed by SVA Architects, opened today and welcomed students for the first time. Hermosa Beach City School District’s long-awaited opening of the school has been planned since Measure S passed in June 2016. Funding to rebuild Hermosa Vista School, located 417 25th St., came from the $59 million voter-approved bond which addresses the District’s overcrowded and outdated schools. SVA Architects was selected for the District’s projects due to the firm’s exceptional K-12 resume and its experience in bringing innovative, sustainable learning environments to life.
Hermosa Vista School is the first of a trio of projects funded by Measure S. Hermosa Vista School is a reconstruction of the former North School, and houses the District’s third and fourth graders. The bond also provided funds for renovations at the District’s two other schools: Hermosa View School, which houses kindergarten to second graders; and Hermosa Valley School, for the District’s fifth to eighth graders.
The new Hermosa Vista School consists of a two-story administration/classroom/library building and a multipurpose building. The facilities are designed to be Zero Net Energy, with highly efficient MEP systems and extensive photovoltaic solar arrays on both buildings that will generate all of the electricity needed for the school.
Robert Simons, AIA, President of SVA Architects, states, “Hermosa Vista School is an example of design meeting the future, highlighting remarkable achievements in facility sustainability. The students and teachers will enjoy a modern, enhanced learning environment, and the sustainable features will benefit the entire community, while representing shared values and vision.”