2026 Summer Wonders‍ ‍Renovations, Secure Vestibules, Mechanical Upgrades, and more!

This year, Ford Architects completed 8 Summer Wonders projects, transforming existing school campuses through renovations, additions, facility upgrades, and other improvements.

Summer Wonders are constructed within the narrow window of summer break, when students are away from campus. With just three months to complete construction, these projects require careful planning, close collaboration, and accelerated schedules to ensure schools are ready to welcome students back in the fall.

From modernizing aging facilities to creating new spaces for learning, each Summer Wonder demonstrates how thoughtful design and teamwork can make a lasting impact in a remarkably short amount of time.

Mechanical Upgrade

Asbury Elementary School

Brought air conditioning to a historic landmark school. Scope included a new chiller enclosure, new casework in all classrooms and various mechanical and electrical upgrades. Project was completed over the course of two summers.
Denver Public Schools
Denver, CO

Mechanical Upgrade

Bryant Webster Dual Language ECE-8 School

Brought air conditioning to a historic landmark school. Scope included a new chiller enclosure, new casework in all classrooms, various mechanical and electrical upgrades, and a repaint of their auditorium. Project was completed over the course of two summers.
Denver Public Schools
Denver, CO

Mechanical Upgrade

Cory Elementary School

Brought air conditioning to a historic landmark school. Scope included a new chiller enclosure, new casework in all classrooms and various mechanical and electrical upgrades. Project was completed over the course of two summers.
Denver Public Schools
Denver, CO

Mechanical Upgrade and Renovation

Traylor Academy School

The Traylor Elementary School renovation included comprehensive building upgrades to improve comfort, efficiency, and infrastructure. Full-building air conditioning was added in accordance with the 2024 Bond Sustainability Design Principles, along with associated DDC. The existing boiler was replaced with a new high-efficiency boiler and tank, and the electrical system was upgraded with new panelboards, main and circuit breakers, associated hardware, and feeder wiring. Branch circuit wiring was inspected and replaced where damaged or fatigued. The existing 4-inch underground fire suppression pipe was also replaced from the curb stop to the basement flange, and the lavatories were renovated with new finishes.
Denver Public Schools
Denver, CO

Thunder Valley K-8 School

Renovation

A 13,3000 GSF renovation of the existing Media Center and Special Education classrooms, as well as various mechanical and electrical upgrades. Construction took place entirely over the summer and required an expedited schedule to get done on time.
St. Vrain Valley School District
Frederick, CO

DSST Cole/Mitchell Campus

Renovation and Mechanical Upgrade

Renovation of existing entry vestibule to enhance security measures, prioritizing visibility while honoring the existing architecture.
Denver Public Schools
Denver, CO

Cheltenham Elementary School

Mechanical Upgrade

The Cheltenham Elementary School renovation focused on replacing undersized unit ventilators throughout the school to improve classroom ventilation and thermal comfort. Delivered through a design-build approach, the project emphasized fast-track scheduling and coordination within a K-12 educational environment. Integrated design and construction services supported cost control and efficient project delivery while maintaining the project schedule. The scope included equipment replacement and associated building and utility modifications. The work prioritized minimizing disruption to school operations while providing reliable and maintainable building systems.The Cheltenham Elementary School renovation focused on replacing undersized unit ventilators throughout the school to improve classroom ventilation and thermal comfort. Delivered through a design-build approach, the project emphasized fast-track scheduling and coordination within a K-12 educational environment. Integrated design and construction services supported cost control and efficient project delivery while maintaining the project schedule. The scope included equipment replacement and associated building and utility modifications. The work prioritized minimizing disruption to school operations while providing reliable and maintainable building systems.
Denver Public Schools
Denver, CO