SMMUSD Promises to Preserve Historic Elements While Renovating Roosevelt Elementary School

Santa Monica, CA – June 27, 2025 – The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) has embarked on an ambitious renovation project at Roosevelt Elementary School, aiming to modernize the campus while preserving its cherished historical elements. As construction crews erect fencing around the school, signaling the start of work in June 2025, community members are eager to understand how the district will balance contemporary educational needs with the preservation of the school's iconic Works Progress Administration (WPA) buildings from the 1930s.

The renovation, part of the broader Roosevelt Campus Plan, includes significant upgrades to ensure the school meets the demands of 21st-century education. Key additions include a new auditorium, state-of-the-art Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten facilities, a modern library, and a dedicated Maker Space to foster hands-on learning. Construction of a new playground and an early childhood education building began this month, replacing the existing TK/K playground, according to a district announcement on June 20, 2025. These improvements are complemented by recent campus enhancements, such as upgraded classroom technology, new flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, modernized doors, glazed windows, and revitalized landscaping.

Roosevelt Elementary, a cornerstone of Santa Monica's educational history, is renowned for its WPA-era buildings constructed in 1935. These structures, including Buildings E, G, J, and K from 1934, and Buildings A, B, and C from 1940, designed by architect Joe M. Estep with WPA funding, exemplify the "Santa Monica Plan" of campus design. Recognized for their architectural and historical significance, these buildings are a point of pride for the community and have drawn attention from preservation groups like the Santa Monica Conservancy.

Roosevelt Elm surrounded by a construction fence

Concerns about the fate of these historic structures have surfaced as construction progresses. However, SMMUSD has emphasized its commitment to preserving the campus's historical character. The district's Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), released in December 2024, acknowledges the historical significance of Roosevelt's WPA-era buildings and outlines efforts to minimize impacts on these resources. While the renovation involves substantial new construction, there is no indication in current plans that the WPA buildings will be demolished. Instead, the district is focused on integrating modern facilities with the existing campus layout, ensuring that the historical essence of Roosevelt remains intact.

"SMMUSD is dedicated to creating a campus that serves our students' future while honoring our past," said a district spokesperson. "The Roosevelt Campus Plan reflects a careful balance of modernization and preservation, ensuring that the school's historical legacy continues to inspire."

The project also aligns with SMMUSD's 2019 Districtwide Plan for Sustainability, incorporating environmentally conscious design to create a greener, more efficient campus. As construction continues, the district has taken steps to keep the school operational, with fencing strategically placed to secure work zones while maintaining access for students and staff.

Community members seeking more details about the project or the preservation of the WPA buildings are encouraged to attend SMMUSD's public forums or contact the district's facilities office via http://www.smmusd.org. The Santa Monica Conservancy, which has documented Roosevelt's historical significance, is also a valuable resource for those interested in the school's architectural heritage.

As Roosevelt Elementary School undergoes this transformative renovation, SMMUSD's commitment to blending innovation with tradition offers hope that the campus will continue to serve as both a modern educational hub and a testament to Santa Monica's rich history.

For more information on the Roosevelt Campus Plan, visit http://www.smmusd.org or contact the Santa Monica Conservancy. This article was written with the assistance of Grok 3, public Artificial Intelligence available at http://www.x.com.