ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Construction is steadily progressing on the new Inlet View Elementary School, a long-awaited project that represents both an architectural and educational milestone for the Anchorage School District (ASD) and the surrounding South Addition neighborhood.

The new facility is being constructed on the same site as the original school, which was built in 1957, but will feature a modern design tailored to meet 21st-century educational standards. The $33.4 million project is made possible through a bond measure approved by voters in 2022, reflecting strong community backing for public education investment.

According to Cornerstone General Contractor, which is leading the construction, the new school is designed to accommodate more than 300 students and will offer enhanced security, increased accessibility, and flexible learning environments tailored for collaborative instruction.

“This project shows the power of community investment in education,” said ASD Chief of Operations Jim Anderson, who emphasized the importance of voter support. “We’re thankful to voters, staff, families, and partners who helped bring the vision to life.”

Once completed, the new building will boast a number of upgraded amenities including a gymnasium, an expanded library, outdoor learning areas, and energy-efficient systems that align with the district’s sustainability goals. The design prioritizes both academic excellence and student wellness.

“This is more than a building — it’s a space where generations of students will grow and thrive,” said Nikolas Heagy, Vice President of Operations at Cornerstone General Contractors. He emphasized the significance of delivering a project with both local pride and a long-term vision for youth development.

The construction began in summer 2024 and is expected to be completed in time for the 2025–26 academic year, making it Anchorage’s first brand-new school building since 2004.

The new Inlet View Elementary replaces an aging structure that had long outlived its design lifespan. Originally built when Anchorage was a much smaller city, the 1957 facility struggled to accommodate modern educational programming and had outdated safety systems. The current rebuild offers a chance to transform the space into a modern, inclusive learning hub for the next generation of Alaskans.

The community has also played a role in the design process. Public input was collected during planning stages to ensure the new building reflects the values and needs of students, educators, and local residents.

Once open, the school is expected to offer enhanced opportunities for STEAM education, outdoor science exploration, and integrated arts programs — helping students connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

The school district plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2025 to celebrate the grand opening and honor those who contributed to the project’s realization.

As the timeline remains on track, excitement is building in Anchorage for the next chapter of Inlet View’s legacy — a modern, student-centered facility built with purpose, backed by the community, and designed to last generations.

Originally reported by Your Alaska Link.