Northgate
Northgate Elementary School Replacement Project
School renamed James Baldwin Elementary School
The existing school building has been replaced with a new school building with a new name on the same site.
James Baldwin Elementary School opened for students on September 6, 2023. Demolition has begun on the old building, and a new field and play areas will be constructed during the school year.
Timeline

- Pre-design phase complete
- Schematic design phase complete
- Design development phase complete
- Construction documents/permitting
- Bid and award phase complete
- Construction in progress
- School open
- Phase II construction in progress — demolition of old building and playfield/playground development
Recent Progress
Progress updates are posted for the previous month
Major Activity in August 2023
- Completed installation of furniture, technology, and curriculum.
- Moved school into new building.
- Completed hazardous materials abatement and demolition of former school building.
- Completed access drives to parking and the loading dock.
- Held ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration August 31.
Major Activity Expected in September 2023
- Complete asphalt play yard and covered play court by September 6.
- Complete street improvements on 1st Avenue NE by September 6.
- Continue site preparations for play structures with expected completion October 2023.
- Continue site work with expected completion December 2023.
Project Photos
Project Designs
Architects drawings showing what the school might look like when complete.
Animated Design Tour
About the Project
The new two-story elementary school building will provide the spaces and resources that students need for academic success. The approximately 95,000 square foot school will meet the district’s elementary educational specifications and provide space for up to 650 students. A collaborative process resulted in a building designed to fit into the neighborhood. It will provide outdoor learning, play, and recreation areas.
The new school has been designed to provide an equitable, safe, and inspiring learning environment for the entire school community. Learning clusters will have classrooms surrounding learning commons.
Sustainable Design and Construction
In keeping with SPS’s clean energy goals, operation of the new school will not require any fossil fuels. In addition, the roof is designed to accommodate solar panels, which could offset 80% of the building’s energy use in the future.
Features to reduce energy use:
- Geothermal heating
- Highly efficient ventilation that recovers heat before air leaves the school
- Energy-efficient LED lighting
- Highly insulated walls and roofs
- High performance fiberglass windows
Other sustainable design strategies:
- Storm water management with rain gardens
- Native and drought-resistant plantings
- Shielded site lighting to reduce light pollution
- Demolition and construction debris sorted and recycled
Projected Energy Use Index (EUI): 17.3
Design Firm: NAC Architecture
General Contractor/Construction Management: Lydig Construction
Project Budget: $90.3M
Funding Source: Funded by the Building Excellence V (BEXBuilding Excellence Capital Levy provides resources for school construction, renovations, and additions. More V) Capital Levy, approved by Seattle voters in 2019.
School Design Advisory Team: Learn about the School Design Advisory Team (SDAT) process and read meeting minutes.
Contact Us
Let’s Talk for Project Questions
Project Manager: Amanda Fulford, asfulford1@seattleschools.org, 206-252-0697
James Baldwin Elementary School
11725 1st Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98125