Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School – Campus Reconstruction
Tempe, Ariz.
BEST PROJECT
Sent by: CHASSE construction equipment
Owner: Tempe Elementary School District
Main design company: Architects SPS+
General contractor: CHASSE construction equipment
Civil Engineer: Hess-Rountree Inc.
Structural Engineer: Broderick Engineering
MEP Engineer: LSW engineers
Landscape architect: Campbell Collaborative
As the district’s first middle school rebuild, this project is setting a precedent for future construction. The original campus was built in the 1950s, but Moseley High School now boasts 128,920 square meters of new classroom space, with collaborative learning spaces built throughout.
The six-building campus features a two-story administration building, a two-story gymnasium, three two-story classroom buildings connected by enclosed bridges, and a single-story cafeteria/music building. Classroom neighborhoods within the school focus on flexibility, collaboration, and student-centered design for each grade level.
With careful planning and intentional scheduling, the campus remained active throughout construction. Navigating the compact site meant coordinating deliveries, concrete placements and site space for trade partners layout and fit-out. Access to the site revolved around school hours, including events and activities. This also meant postponing the demolition of a section of the existing campus until the end of the academic year.
Photo by Lyle Garry – Photographer by Lyle Garry
During Phase 1, the existing fields, weight room and two portable buildings were demolished to make way for new construction. During Phase 2, students moved into the new buildings while the old campus was demolished and replaced with athletic fields, parking lots and landscape improvements.
To maintain the schedule, several crews worked simultaneously throughout the project, including nights, weekends and double shifts. Despite these challenges, the school was completed on time and on budget in July 2023.
Mosley students who wanted to be a part of the rebuilding process joined the school’s building club, which met twice a week. Students learned elements of design such as programming, material selection, and computer-based drawing programs. The project team also introduced them to various trade skills and professions, and the students developed and built the school’s storage shed. At the district’s request, the contractor also provided an interactive kiosk where students and community members could check construction progress.
