As part of their Senior Design Capstone course, Civil & Environmental Engineering students created design alternatives for new uses of the former school building in Essex, and provided specs and cost estimates for the final design.

Essex, Iowa, was interested in the redevelopment and reuse of a gymnasium within town. The city was looking for a community center, focused primarily on creating public spaces, hosting programming for youth and adults, and holding public events. The city was also interested in a storm shelter.

This project provided alternatives for the continued usage of the building, and recommendations for future usage for educational and recreational purposes for the residents of Essex.