Project Status
Walking Path:
The walkway along the North/East construction fencing is not accessible to bikes, strollers, etc. It is a walking path with inclines. Please use paved sidewalks for accessibility. The rustic path will not be cleared of snow during the winter.
Indoor Air Sampling:
The district has received inquiries regarding documented radon levels at existing schools, particularly those located adjacent to construction sites. More information regarding AAPS radon testing can be found on the Assessments & Surveys web page.
What's happening next?
Construction parking and construction access drives are for construction personnel only and to ensure safety, staff and parents should refrain from using construction parking and/or drives.
Updates
Limited tree removal, along the North fence line will begin in early November, for trees previously documented.
Upcoming work:
- Aggregate Pier Installation will begin Monday, August 18th and will last approximately 1 month. This process will be monitored by licensed geotechnical engineers as it will present a newly detectable vibration in the areas of installation.
- Trimming of overgrown vegetation along walking paths. This process will take a few days and will be completed before students return to school on August 25th.
To support the construction of New Thurston Elementary, tree transplanting and limited felling start March 24th. While this can be a noticeable change as vegetation is removed and trees are transplanting, AAPS values embodied carbon and is committed to environmental sustainability. To read more about AAPS’ efforts regarding tree salvaging, please follow this link.
Board of Education Study Session – view on CTN
Capital Program Office Hours 12pm-1:30pm
Board of Education Meeting – Thurston Staging Information – view on CTN – presentation begins at 3:45:10
Capital Program Office Hours 7pm-8:30pm
AAPS General Staging Information – view on YouTube
Board of Education Meeting – Thurston Site Plan Update – view on CTN – presentation begins at 4:02:26
Thurston Elementary Project Planning Process – view on YouTube
Thurston Elementary Conceptual Building Plans – view on YouTube
Thurston Elementary Conceptual Site Plans – view on YouTube
Board of Education Meeting – Capital Program Fall Update Presentation Link – Thurston update begins page 83
Thurston Nature Center Meeting
Thurston Nature Center Meeting
Board of Education – Capital Program Annual Report Presentation Link – Thurston update begins page 53
Community Engagement with Parents, Students, Staff
Project Kick-off
Projects
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New Thurston Elementary
Architect of Record: Stantec
Construction Manager: The Christman Company
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Tree Transplanting
To support the construction of New Thurston Elementary, tree transplanting and limited felling start March 24th. While this can be a noticeable change as vegetation is removed and trees are transplanting, AAPS values embodied carbon and is committed to environmental sustainability. To read more about AAPS’ efforts regarding tree salvaging, please follow this link.
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Community Engagement - New Thurston Elementary
Ann Arbor Public Schools plans to construct a New Thurston Elementary, with related site improvements, slated for groundbreaking as early as Spring 2025. Please join us for a Bond Project Update, we will have Phase 2 Bond Plan background information and a conceptual site plan to share.Come to the school’s main entry and you will be directed to the space in the building where the update is being held. We look forward to seeing you!
Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 5:30pm to 7pm
Thurston Elementary: 2300 Prairie Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Thurston Elementary Presentation Link – September 26, 2024
Thurston Elementary Follow-up Questions & Answers – October 2024
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Pond Berm Improvements
Improvements to Thurston pond’s berm and storm water runoff.
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Nature Area Improvements
Repair of existing storm line at pond area.
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HVAC Building Management System Upgrades
Updated the school’s Building Management System (BMS) to the latest version including a new graphical interface and mobile, cloud-based access. The upgrades allow for better systems control, improved occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
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Water Bottle Filling Stations
Installation of filtered water bottle filling stations throughout the school.
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Security Updates
Update to security system on property.
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New Playground Equipment
New playground equipment added to school grounds.
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Playground Shaded Trees
Planted 48 native hardwood trees for shading of playgrounds and other outdoor environments.
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New Musical Instruments
Purchase of new musical instruments and pianos for music classrooms and auditoriums.
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Parking Lot Repairs
Repair of pavement and parking lot on school grounds.
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New Classroom Furniture
New, flexible, classroom furniture was added to create a more accessible, engaging and student-centered environment.
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Modular Addition
An addition was added to the school.
Photos & Videos
Photos
No photos posted yet.
Videos
Thurston Elementary
- Built In 1963
- Grades Preschool-5th
- School Website
Thurston Elementary, originally constructed in 1963, is a one-story masonry structure with exterior brick veneer. The school facility is situated on 24.75 acres in the east sector of Ann Arbor with a nature area located on the school site. The original structure has experienced at least 2 additions over the years, and currently supports Preschool – Grade 5.


























