Photos by QKA; Renderings by Robert Becker
ALAMEDA, Calif., October 14, 2026 – Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) has broken ground on a comprehensive campus upgrade for Otis Elementary School to replace aging facilities and better serve students and faculty. Designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and being built by Lathrop Construction Associates, Inc., the project will deliver state-of-the-art learning environments, enhanced campus security, and improved site access and traffic flow for the surrounding community.
“Celebrating this milestone alongside our families, students, staff, project team, and neighbors was a proud moment for all of us,” said Pasquale Scuderi, AUSD Superintendent. “This project represents a lasting investment in our students and staff, one that will provide them with the vibrant learning environments they deserve for years to come.”
The extensive project includes 25,000-square-feet of new construction, encompassing a single-story administration and media center building alongside a new two-story classroom building designed specifically for transitional kindergarten (TK), kindergarten, first, fourth, and fifth grade students, as well as students with disabilities. In addition to the new construction, the project encompasses modernization of existing facilities to serve second and third grades, including upgrading electrical capacity, installing air conditioning in remaining classrooms, and enhancing site-wide fire alarm systems.
“Our design for this project centers on creating an adaptable, cohesive campus environment that prioritizes student safety and outdoor engagement,” said Joel Williams, QKA Principal. “By pairing modern classroom structures with dynamic outdoor gathering spaces, we are crafting a flexible academic campus that will endure as a vital resource for the entire school community.”
Designed to enrich student life both inside and outside the classroom, the site transformation incorporates a new central academic quad with permeable turf, outdoor learning areas, a student garden, and a Division of State Architect (DSA)-approved shade structure for outdoor dining. The project also features a dedicated, low-fenced play yard with age-appropriate structures for TK and kindergarten students, upgraded sports courts, and new blacktop play areas.
Site infrastructure and sustainability enhancements include roof-mounted solar photovoltaic power systems, bio-retention basins for stormwater management, digital marquee signage, and upgraded campus perimeter security. To support safe drop-off and pickup operations, the new layout features an optimized student drop-off area along with secured bike parking complete with racks and lockers.
Funded by the Measure B facilities bond, the new campus is expected to be completed by Fall 2028.
About Alameda Unified School District
Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) serves about 9500 students in Alameda, California, an island community in the San Francisco Bay Area. The district is committed to upholding the community’s core values of equity and excellence for every student by providing inclusive and safe conditions for learning that challenge and support every student to be culturally competent and prepared for college, career, and community participation. For more information, please visit the AUSD website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Questions? Contact Susan Davis, Senior Manager, Community Affairs, at sdavis@alamedaunified.org.
About Lathrop Construction Associates
Lathrop Construction Associates, Inc. (LCA) has been providing general contracting services throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area for more than 45 years with a focus on educational, commercial, industrial, and institutional construction projects.
Guided by its core values of commitment, relationship-building, and trust, LCA works closely with owners, architects, trade partners, and local communities throughout the design and construction process.
A distinguishing characteristic of Lathrop is the longevity of its workforce. Employees have an average tenure of 25 years, providing clients with deep industry expertise and continuity throughout project delivery. To date, Lathrop has completed more than $3.5 billion in construction projects. For more information, visit lathropconstruction.com.
