AISD breaks ground on second North Central Elementary School

The estimated construction cost is $20.6 million, and construction is slated to be complete by June 2014.

Carstarphen said she believes the new concept and design will become more common for AISD facility use plans as land availability dwindles in the North Central and West areas, as well as in South Austin where there are environmental limitations.

"That will force us from now on to really be more creative," she said.

There is a pressing need for new facilities to accommodate families in North Austin in part because of the availability of affordable housing and access to transportation, trustee Ann Teich said.

"Because of the rapid population growth in this area, there is an immediate need for relief to Cook, Wooldridge—where my children went to school—and Barrington Elementary schools, which are currently over capacity," she said. "Also, since voters didn't approve bond funding for new classroom construction at Cook, the need for relief for overcrowding is even more important."

Features of the new school

When it is complete in August 2014, the 143,143-square-foot school will house 57 classrooms and six common areas, Rouse said. He said the facility is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and a three-star rating from the Austin Energy Green Building Program.

Architecture Plus Principal Mac Ragsdale said another goal of the design is to use existing elements of the warehouse structure, such as using the former Austin Lighting Product's warehouse's loading area with openings for trucks, to add large windows and decorative features to the school.

The retrofit project at 2011 West Rundberg Lane is being funded through a $343.7 million bond program approved by Austin voters in May 2008.

"I want to assure the voters that their investment in this school is going to yield substantial results and returns for many years to come," AISD board President Vincent Torres said. "As the population of the North Central Austin corridor continues to grow, we can assure families that our district will have sufficient space to accommodate [students' needs] in these classrooms, cafeterias, gym and the library."