Lakeside School

As students and faculty wrap up this school year, Lakeside’s facilities team and groups of contractors have already begun work to get campus ready for next year. Here are some projects happening this summer and what it will mean for anyone on campus. Please note that additional projects may be added as we get closer to the summer; updates will be added to this article.

Similar to most years, there will be a variety of small-scale interior and exterior projects at the Middle and Upper schools. This year, that includes work on the roofs of the athletics center and Wright Community Center, adding bottle-filling fountains to McKay and Bliss halls, and painting the exterior trim on Bliss Hall. Moore Hall will be getting a refresh, with painting and new carpeting. Stay tuned for more updates about who will be moving into Moore for the new school year!

We are continuing our roll-out of door access control and cameras to provide better building access control and visibility. This summer, we are making improvements to the Middle School Spline hallway, Stimson parking lot, and the 4th Avenue boathouse. Door access control and cameras serve as preventative measures, helping to deter unwanted incidents and ensuring a safer experience for everyone on campus. You can learn more about this ongoing project in this article.

The largest impact will be the major renovation project announced in March: the fully renovated ground floor in Allen-Gates Hall will include new engineering and design labs and fabrication spaces, a robotics lab, expanded community space, and renovated humanities classrooms.

Most of the disruptive work will occur during the summer. Here are some key things to know:

• The renovation will begin on June 15, after the end of this school year.
• Allen-Gates Hall will not be accessible during the summer.
• The East parking lot (behind the library) and Stimson lot will be closed during this time. People visiting campus should use the south lot (next to the Vassar Center) and north lot (next to the athletics center).
• The roundabout/drop-off circle will be closed. Families with students in summer programs will receive information about pick-up and dropoff. Everyone should watch for signage.
• Pedestrian pathways will be clearly marked. The biggest impact is that pedestrians will access the Vassar Center using the sidewalk west of Allen-Gates.
• There will be intermittent noise impacts, from brick demolition on the south side of the building, dumpster activity, concrete pours, and forklifts.

See the FAQ below for more detailed information about impacts.

By the start of the 2026-2027 school year, the top floor of Allen-Gates will be in use again as well as the first-floor restrooms. Pedestrian and vehicle access should be normal. We will share an update in August with construction impacts for the fall.

Finally, off-campus, the City of Shoreline is finishing their work on 145th Street. They will continue to restrict left turns onto 1st Avenue from westbound 145th Street until the project is completed in mid-June. The Seattle Department of Transportation will also be resealing streets south of the Middle School this summer, which will result in some temporary street closures. Please remain alert to road changes, leave extra time to get where you are going, and drive slowly and safely through work zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the Allen-Gates project impact the Middle School (including ILC camps)?

A: There will be no impacts to the Middle School. The Seattle Department of Transportation project (resealing streets) could impact travel to the Middle School.

Q: Will I be able to park at the Upper School campus this summer?

A: Yes, but parking availability will be limited. You can park in the South lot (west of the Vassar Center) and North lot (next to the athletics center). If you're driving to campus, allow extra time to find parking.

Q: What will dropoff or pick-up look like at the Upper School?

A: The Red Square turnaround will be closed at times, so please follow signage. Families with students in summer programs will receive information about pick-up and dropoff.

Q: Will it take longer to get to campus?

A: It will likely take about the same amount of time as this past school year.

Q: Will walking around campus be different?

A: It will feel a little different, because you will walk to the Vassar Center around the west side of Allen Gates. The ramp will be closed due to the Allen-Gates renovation. Follow all posted detours to stay safe and avoid active construction areas.

Q: Will Allen-Gates be accessible at all?

A: Only to construction workers and contractors.

Q: Will construction noise or activity affect work or summer programs?

A: If you’re working or participating in a program on campus, expect some construction noise. Plan accordingly and reach out to your supervisor or program leader for guidance.

Q: What if I have mobility challenges or accessibility needs?

A: If you require accessible parking or routes, please contact the facilities or community safety team ahead of your visit. Temporary accommodations may be in place, but advance notice helps ensure your needs are met.

Q: Who is doing the work?

A: Our amazing partners at BNBuilders, who just completed their work at the Vassar Center.

Q: How can I stay updated on what’s changing week to week?

A: Check our construction and neighborhood news webpage, the City of Shoreline’s 145th Corridor Project webpage, and watch for posted notices on campus.