Licking Heights Lima Ridge Elementary

The Licking Heights School District, located east of Columbus in Licking and Franklin counties, has a growing population due to the development of technology companies like Intel, Google, and Facebook.

To accommodate this growth, a new 100,000 SF K-4 building for 900 students was funded by a levy passed in May 2022. Located on the same property as the high school built in 2020, the building’s exterior responds contextually creating a campus atmosphere. Inside, bold colors, nature themes and patterns aid wayfinding and create a playful atmosphere, with openness and light enhancing the sense of home and community for students.  The design features four wings from a central hub, with each grade progressing around the school. The media center is a key space, highlighting the District’s focus on academic excellence. The building’s design focused on inclusivity, ensuring that students with disabilities can participate in all activities. Playgrounds feature rubberized paths for accessibility, common areas are designed to be fully accessible, and classrooms are equipped to accommodate diverse abilities. 

The design team addressed community concerns about traffic at the new elementary school by creating safe pick-up and drop-off zones away from the road. They also organized the landscaping with groups of trees and plantings to accentuate entrances, enhance playgrounds, and maintain a rural feel.