FRK Architects-Engineers P.C.

Keokuk’s original middle school was built in 1924. Nearly eighty years later, it had become apparent that the original building no longer met the requirements or goals of the school district and community. The decision was made to build a completely new middle school at a new location.

The new Keokuk Middle School is designed for up to 750 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. It is located on a sloped site next to the existing high school. The new school is designed to be a true 21st century educational facility.

FRK worked closely with the teachers, students, administrators, and community members to understand their needs and priorities for the new building. The school is arranged into three different learning communities, each for a specific grade. Shared common functions such as art, language, music, special education, and physical fitness branch off from the core of the learning communities and the media center. A well-developed kitchen will provide food service to both the middle school and other district facilities.

The two-story building is designed to take advantage of the site by nestling into the hillside. Both the upper and lower levels have direct entryways. Bringing in large quantities of enjoyable natural light was a priority for the design. The main entryway features clerestory windows and a two-story glass façade. The media center has numerous clerestories as well to illuminate the space, and large skylights are placed above the common area of each learning community.