Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley of Central California, the City of Solvang adheres to a traditional Danish cultural theme as part of its identity. Solvang Elementary School sought to build a unique Culinary Arts Building which would blend its traditional aesthetic with modern construction and the latest amenities for its future students.

This was a roughly a 3.2 million dollar project and was completed in August of 2022.

The Project:

Solvang Elementary Culinary Arts Building

The Ribbon Cutting

Ribbon cuttings are a rewarding experience for us, especially for youth education buildings as unique and special as the Solvang Elementary Culinary Arts Building. Catch a proud and ecstatic Brad, President of Edwards, in the crowd!

The Work

From the outset, our team worked diligently with the District and RRM Design to deliver this project on time and on budget. The project scope was vast and encompassed every facet of construction. We meticulously orchestrated the site improvements, which included extensive grading and the installation of utility infrastructure to ensure seamless operations. The foundation of the new building was expertly laid in concrete, providing a solid base for the culinary arts learning center. The wood and steel framing, coupled with exterior cement plaster, masonry veneer, a striking curtain wall, and a durable standing seam metal roof, seamlessly integrated modern aesthetics with structural integrity.

Inside, our team painstakingly attended to interior finishes, ensuring that the learning spaces exuded functionality and sophistication. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed with precision, guaranteeing that the building would operate efficiently and sustainably for years to come. The crowning touch was the state-of-the-art kitchen equipment, setting the stage for the aspiring chefs who would hone their culinary skills within these walls.

But our work extended beyond the culinary building itself. We transformed the upper campus courtyard into a welcoming oasis. This involved the demolition of existing courtyard elements, making way for new storm drainage utility infrastructure to enhance safety and functionality. Paving and landscaping breathed life into the courtyard, creating a serene atmosphere for students and faculty alike. Site walls, gates, and fencing were thoughtfully designed and erected to provide security while maintaining an open, inviting feel. Two shade structures and an array of exterior furniture systems completed the transformation, making the upper campus courtyard a haven for relaxation and outdoor learning.

New for the 23-24 school year, Solvang School will officially open the Culinary Arts Building and offer 8th graders a Culinary Cuisine course.

Project Team

Ryan Edwards

President, Co-Founder

Brad Edwards

President, Co-Founder

Tyler Benson

Project Executive

Justin Boe

Project Executive

Ian Webb

Superintendent

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