Originally constructed between 1934 and 1936 as part of Long Beach’s post-earthquake rebuilding campaign, Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School is one of Long Beach Unified School District’s most historically significant campuses. Designed by Clarence N. Aldrich in the WPA/PWA Moderne style, the two original reinforced concrete classroom buildings remain defining architectural landmarks within the surrounding downtown neighborhood. StudioWC is leading a comprehensive campuswide modernization that preserves this historic character while bringing the school up to today’s standards of accessibility, safety, building performance, and educational functionality. Working closely with SWCA Environmental Consultants, the project is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to ensure that all improvements respect and reinforce the school’s historic identity.

The modernization reimagines the heart of the campus with a new central entrance vestibule and elevator tower that links Buildings A and B. This contemporary but understated addition restores the symmetrical organization Aldrich originally envisioned, while creating a secure and fully accessible point of entry for students, staff, and visitors. The project also includes significant exterior restoration work, including the removal of non-original mechanical chases, relocation of HVAC systems to the roof, and the reinstatement of original fenestration patterns using new aluminum windows designed to match historic profiles. These improvements allow the historic buildings to breathe again, revealing long-obscured architectural details and reinforcing the Moderne rhythm and geometry of the façades.

Inside, classrooms and interiors undergo a thoughtful modernization that replaces outdated finishes and non-historic partitions with improved layouts, updated lighting, added skylights, new flooring, and refreshed casework. The project addresses numerous accessibility needs by widening door openings, installing new handrails, remodeling restrooms, and improving connections between interior and exterior spaces. Systems throughout the buildings—including HVAC, fire alarm, and audio-visual infrastructure—are upgraded to support modern instruction and long-term operational performance. Together, these improvements create a campus that honors Stevenson’s architectural legacy while providing a modern, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment for the next generation of Long Beach students.