2025 Texas & Southeast Best Projects
Best K-12: DPS Murray-Massenburg Elementary School

DPS Murray-Massenburg Elementary School
Durham, N.C.
BEST PROJECT
Submitted by LeChase Construction Services
Owner Durham Public Schools
Lead Design Firm EVOKE Studio Architects
CM at-Risk LeChase Construction Services
Structural Engineer MMSA Inc.
Civil Engineer JC Waller & Associates
MEP Engineer Dewberry
Construction Management Partner SGS Contracting
The $80-million Murray-Massenburg Elementary School was built to integrate the building with its natural surroundings. Designed to serve 800 pre-K through 5th-grade students, the 134,000-sq-ft, three-story school is arranged in wings around a central courtyard, maximizing natural light and views of adjacent wooded areas.
With its focus on sustainability and wellness, Murray-Massenburg is on track to be the first WELL-certified elementary school in North Carolina. The project includes a green roof for outdoor learning and improved thermal performance, energy-efficient systems, EV charging stations and exposed mechanical systems to inspire student interest in STEM. In addition to providing a more comfortable space for students and staff, the WELL elements are designed to provide a 30% reduction in kilowatt hours and a 7% savings in natural gas use for building operations.
Although some of the hilly and forested site was cleared for construction of the school, the team placed an emphasis on maintaining nearly half of the 33-acre site’s natural elements, including a generous portion of the forested areas. Over four months, crews blasted 70,000 cu yd of rock to level the land for the school, courtyards, roads and utilities. Ultimately, only 17 acres were disturbed.
Photo courtesy Evoke Studio Architecture
A 136-ft enclosed bridge was preassembled in two welded trusses, requiring onsite laydown space for several weeks. Each truss was installed in a single day using three cranes. Field adjustments were needed for structural tolerances, requiring changes that included modified ceiling trims.
Exterior and courtyard work overlapped, with up to 12 trades working in the space simultaneously. Separate crews installed panels, utilities, landscaping and playground equipment—all while a complex serpentine ramp was poured. Ramp footings had to carefully avoid underground utilities. Due to other project elements, later pours required pumping concrete through more than 400 ft of hose.
Mid-project, the owner added $2 million in scope. The team worked seven days a week, including holidays, to ensure that the two-year project was completed at budget and on schedule.


