On Friday, April 11, 2025, Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking to initiate construction of a new Mitchell Elementary School facility, located adjacent to the current building at 3550 Pittsview Drive in southeast Ann Arbor. The project is funded by the 2019 voter-approved AAPS Bond initiative, aimed at district-wide facility upgrades to enhance educational infrastructure and environmental sustainability. Construction is planned to take approximately two years and will be executed by AAPS contractors under the supervision of Moe Nagpal, AAPS’ manager of construction projects.
. The new building will replace the current facility, which was originally constructed in 1951 and has undergone at least six additions. It currently serves preschool through 5th grade. The new structure will include significantly enhanced mechanical systems, including a geothermal ground source heating and cooling system and rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs.
The building has been designed to meet the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Verified Leader designation, which prioritizes student and staff health, environmental conservation, and community engagement. Sustainability features include low-carbon construction materials selected through whole-building life-cycle assessment (WBLCA), daylighting design for 75% of floor space, and zero CFC-based refrigerants in HVAC&R systems. Biophilic design principles are incorporated to support occupant well-being through natural elements and spatial configurations that emulate nature, along with two designated calming and community-oriented spaces. The site will feature a school garden and newly planted landscaping including 142 trees and shrubs, aligning with environmental stewardship goals and providing outdoor learning opportunities. A permanent educational display will be installed on-site to explain key high-performance building features and promote climate literacy among students and community members.