Paragon Mills Elementary School
The Challenge
Paragon Mills Elementary School required an extensive renovation and addition to accommodate a new fifth-grade class, comply with updated codes, and create a modern, welcoming facility for students. Before the renovation, the school had significant traffic flow issues for buses, cars, and deliveries. The building entrance was not obvious and the lack of space meant portable classrooms were taking up valuable area on the already-tight site.
To have things ready in time for the upcoming school year, TMP worked with Metro Nashville Public Schools and the school to create a series of phasing plans. Construction of the project was completed on time in six total phases while the school was still occupied with minimal disruption.
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Client
Metro Nashville Public Schools
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Location
Nashville, TN
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Size
111,871 square feet
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Distinguishing Features
- Additional story added to accommodate fifth grade
- Wing that doubles as a tornado shelter
- Interior design palette includes bright, playful colors influenced by school demographic
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Awards
LEED Silver
The Design Solution
TMP redesigned the campus at Paragon Mills to make sure the renovation made efficient use of the compact site, relocated the front entry to establish a stronger community presence, and improved traffic flow with separate bus and car rider lanes. The school is surrounded by the Paragon Mills neighborhood, so maintaining a buffer between the school building and adjacent houses was key. This resulted in a two-story addition in the center of campus rather than a traditional one-story elementary school. The new front entrance, which was moved from a corner of the lot to front Paragon Mills Road, adds visual impact and improves wayfinding.
The demographic of Paragon Mills’s student body is predominantly ethnic. About 80% don’t speak English as their first language. We wanted to honor the different cultures through the interior design, and created a “Welcome” mural in one of the hallways that features all 12 main languages spoken. Colors throughout were bright and playful, and we included different colored tiles on the floors that helped teachers and students have visual markers to stand in line.
Safety is extremely important in today’s educational design. The school’s Pre-K wing doubles as a storm shelter and is designed to withstand winds and airborne debris impacts from a tornado. Intrusion-resistant film is used on glass of the building’s entrances, and a separate entry vestibule allows the rest of the school to be locked while providing access to a community room after hours. Other design strategies related to safety and security included separating car riders from bus riders, minimizing landscaping that provides hiding spots, and providing clear wayfinding and signage.
The Design Impact
The school was completed in time for the 2025-26 school year and provides a safe, updated, and resourceful facility for students and staff alike. The expanded facility meets the needs of the additional students attending the school, and a redesigned library, cafeteria, and playgrounds embrace Paragon Mills’s personality while still being functional.
See More: 4 Design Practices for the Modern Learning Environment
The completed cafeteria at Paragon Mills Elementary School.
The cafeteria in progress.
