River Grove Elementary School Reconstruction

Originally built in 1967, River Grove Elementary School was replaced as part of Lake Oswego School District’s 2021 capital construction program. Rebuilt on the original site, the reimagined 79,800-sf school prioritizes sustainability and resiliency, including one of the nation’s first K–12 microgrids that allows independent operation from the regional power grid. Designed to withstand seismic events, storms, and wildfires, the building can also serve as a community resource during emergencies. 3J provided full service civil engineering and construction observation services for the project.  A uniquely placed school with infiltration as the stormwater disposal method, extremely unique to projects in Lake Oswego.  3J investigated the site to determine past storm water disposal areas and was able to utilize an existing underground drainage bed for the overflow after rehabilitating two on-site drywells. The project integrates outdoor learning environments—such as classrooms, gardens, and a learning courtyard—along with a photovoltaic array, battery energy storage, and on-site stormwater treatment and detention.