- Press Release 04.18.07

A new state-of-the-art K-12 school facility for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has been awarded to the Design-Build team of BNBuilders, Inc. (General Contractor), Mahlum Architects (Design Firm), Coughlin Porter Lundeen (Structural and Civil Engineering), and Cascade Design Collaborative (Landscape Design).

This project is comprised of classrooms for typical academics as well as specialized spaces for computer labs, art, life sciences, physical sciences, home economics, language, performing arts, cultural, gifted and special education programs, shops, library / media, indoor gathering space, dining, physical education, and administration. The campus will also include multiple play and athletic fields and bleachers.

The new K-12 school project offers an exciting chance to build a facility that both meets the Muckleshoot educational program and serves as an expression of tribal pride and culture. The identified campus, located at mile post 5.5 on the Auburn-Enumclaw Road (SR 164), is a beautiful setting for the new K-12 school project. Educational planning and environmental design will come together in a powerful way to provide inspiration for learning, essential to realizing the Muckleshoot Tribe's educational goals.

The Design-Build team will encourage MIT student, staff, and community participation as a positive force in the development of the facility. Consensus-building will be developed by establishing a Design Advisory Committee, Muckleshoot School Board input, Focus Groups, and collaborative community workshops.

Both BNBuilders, Inc. and Mahlum Architects are committed to providing jobs and educational opportunities for Native American's at every level of the K-12 project. Through this commitment, they will provide internship placement for Muckleshoot students which have a desire for pursuing a career in either design or construction.

BNBuilders, Inc. will also utilize the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs (ONABEN), Muckleshoot Monthly, and local newspapers to solicit applications from carpenters and labors on the K-12 school project. For unskilled craft workers, BNBuilders will publish a solicitation within the Muckleshoot Monthly three months prior to construction start to allow any potential craft workers the ability to enroll within the union(s) training programs. They will then provide job placement on the K-12 project once the training is complete. This opportunity will provide additional career opportunities for those that have wanted to enter the craft field but have not done so because of job placement concerns.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Muckleshoot Tribe have partnered in providing funding for the new Muckleshoot K-12 school project.

BNBuilders, Inc. is a Seattle-based general contractor with offices in Seattle, San Francisco, and California. Mahlum Architects is also a Seattle-based design firm.