Desert Sands USD – Elementary School Modernizations

About the Project

Design West Engineering has been instrumental in enhancing educational facilities across the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) through comprehensive modernization and expansion projects at Kennedy Elementary School, Truman Elementary School, Madison Elementary School, and James Monroe Elementary School. Each project highlights our commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient, and sustainable MEP designs that meet the evolving needs of school communities.

Kennedy Elementary School

At Kennedy Elementary School, Design West Engineering completed a full MEP design that transformed the campus into a modern educational environment. The project included interim housing with relocatable buildings to accommodate students and staff during construction, demolition of outdated structures, and the construction of new Administration, Kindergarten, and Classroom Buildings totaling 24,132 square feet. In addition to these new structures, cosmetic modifications were made to existing buildings without triggering Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements, ensuring that the school’s aesthetic was unified and contemporary.

Truman Elementary School Modernization

The modernization and expansion project at Truman Elementary School focused on revitalizing existing Classroom and Ancillary Buildings. Design West Engineering provided a complete MEP and low-voltage (LV) design, which included mechanical upgrades such as replacing air conditioning units in all existing buildings, adding restroom and custodian room exhaust fans, installing air curtains at the Food Service Building, and optimizing air distribution systems in classrooms. The energy management system (EMS) controls were upgraded to Pelican Wireless systems for enhanced efficiency. Plumbing improvements were extensive, with replacements of gas regulators, ADA-compliant drinking fountains, restroom fixtures, classroom sinks, and service sinks in janitor rooms. Additionally, electric water heaters were installed in specific buildings, and a gas water heater was replaced at the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) Building. The project also integrated fire alarm and technology systems to improve safety and functionality.

Madison Elementary School Modernization

The Madison Elementary School modernization project was a comprehensive overhaul of the campus infrastructure, reflecting Design West Engineering’s expertise in large-scale educational projects. The project involved demolishing existing structures, including Kindergarten classroom buildings and adjacent sites, and constructing a new Kindergarten building. Existing buildings such as the Administration and Library underwent significant modernization, including restroom reconfigurations, installation of security measures, and replacement of utilities and appliances. Multipurpose and classroom buildings were similarly upgraded, featuring space reconfigurations, HVAC unit replacements, and installation of new condenser units. The campus-wide modernization also included the redistribution of mechanical ducts, replacement of HVAC control systems, plumbing fixtures, and electrical components, along with security system upgrades and the provision of additional data, power, and WiFi infrastructure.

James Monroe Elementary School Modernization

For the James Monroe Elementary School, Design West Engineering completed a comprehensive MEP design modernization covering 48,000 square feet. The scope of work included HVAC upgrades and the installation of new point-of-use and tank water heaters for two buildings and ten portables. The campus-wide energy management system (EMS) controls were replaced with Pelican Wireless Systems for improved efficiency and reliability. All plumbing fixtures in six buildings were replaced, with ADA configuration and plumbing rework carried out in two of these buildings to ensure compliance and accessibility. The modernization project also included upgrades to the campus fire alarm system and the installation of new data and signal devices in several buildings to enhance communication and safety.

Through these projects, Design West Engineering has demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable, and functional designs that enhance the learning environment and meet the needs of school communities.