Better Than Ever
Fox Elementary School
Fox Elementary School
After more than a century of serving Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students, a devastating fire destroyed much of William Fox Elementary School’s roof and caused water damage throughout the building. With our deep knowledge of both modern learning environments and historic preservation, we restored the school’s exterior while reimagining its interior for today’s teachers and learners.
Our design upgrades the 1911 building’s technology and flexibility, introduces collaborative hubs, and creates specialized spaces that support a variety of activities and learning styles. Through creative solutions like repurposing chimneys as pathways for building systems infrastructure, our sensitive renovation has renewed this beloved neighborhood school for a new generation of Richmonders.
It’s a beautiful building—it was before. You will see the character is still there. When you walk in, it feels like Fox.
Rising from the Ashes
Late on a Friday night in February 2022, smoke and flames emerged from Fox’s roof. Due to a faulty alarm system, no one knew there was a fire until the flames appeared. Our team replaced all building systems, including fire protection systems, and inserted sprinklers for the first time in the building’s history.
Securing the Entry
We created a new interior vestibule at the main entry that diverts visitors through the front office. With colorful glazing and a playfully rounded corner, the vestibule increases security while forming a welcoming focal point for students.
Updating the Program
Planning meetings with school leadership resulted in a new space program based on current RPS standards. We reconfigured the 1911 building’s interior, particularly in the library and administrative areas, to help it meet the needs of modern students and staff.
Reclaiming Space
One of our most impactful design moves involved relocating mechanical equipment from the lower level to the attic. The extra space allowed for the removal of exterior modular classrooms.
image_compare
Supporting Historic Tax Credits
While we modernized the building and made some key changes, our design adheres to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. This has allowed the project to receive Virginia Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.
