HCM designed a new two-story elementary school for grades K-5 to serve the Littleton Public School District. This is a replacement school for the previous Franklin Elementary school, utilizing the same site. The main program components include four-round classroom groups, a gym, a music room with a platform, a media center with makerspace and an art room with Smart Lab.

The design concept for the replacement school at Franklin looks to the surrounding communities for inspiration. The High Line Canal trail is a significant local landmark that weaves through the communities around the new elementary school. The High Line Canal trail stitches together these local communities, providing lots of opportunity for access and connection. The new elementary school looks to do the same with its learning communities. The new elementary school is organized around a ‘learning trail’ which connects the commons areas and learning communities and provides opportunities for learning and a visual connection to the outdoors. The interior and exterior materials and configuration look to replicate the feel of a trail.

The new school was designed with a Design Advisory Group process, working closely with the school staff and community to design a school that fit into the neighborhood.