Pacific Middle School Replacement Project
Progress Update: July 2026
At the new Pacific Middle School, exterior finishes are transforming the appearance of the building as crews install windows, brick masonry and metal panels along the south side.
Inside the classroom wing, City of Des Moines inspectors approved the electrical, plumbing and other building systems installed on the second and third levels to meet code requirements. This step allows crews to continue installing drywall and other interior finishes.
Funded by the 2022 bond, the Pacific Middle School replacement project is on schedule and within budget. It will open in September 2027.
Latest construction progress
The building is taking shape as exterior walls and weatherproofing are nearly complete. Roofing work continues above the classroom wing and auxiliary gym as crews fully enclose the building.
Inside the classroom wing, work continues on all three levels. Drywall finishing is underway on the third floor, drywall installation continues on the second floor, and crews are installing the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire sprinkler systems on the first floor.
Exterior work continues as crews install brick, metal panels and windows. Concrete work also continues in the stair towers.
Construction is also progressing on the school's high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling system. Crews are connecting the underground geothermal well field to the building's mechanical systems. When complete, the system will use 147 geothermal wells extending about 350 feet below ground to provide energy-efficient heating and cooling.
Site work also continues, including installation of underground utility and drainage systems to support the next phases of construction.
What's Next
Over the coming months, crews will:
- Finish the exterior and complete the roofing.
- Install the third stair tower.
- Begin construction of additional underground site infrastructure to support long-term drainage and site development.
- Prepare the site for future sidewalks, landscaping and paving.
