The growing Minnesota school district, Hutchinson Public Schools, needed an expansion for their West Elementary that included a two-story area for classrooms, a kitchen with a cafeteria, and an ICC 500 gymnasium and storm shelter. The expansion can operate as a stand-alone building and is the home for 2nd and 3rd graders at the school.

Wells provided a prefabricated building envelope for the school, showcasing what can be accomplished with multi-finish techniques, including thin brick and unique reveals near the base. To meet the ICC 500 requirements, the gymnasium was constructed using a total precast building solution to also function as a storm shelter. Double tees make up the ceiling, with an additional 6 inches of concrete laying over the double tees for structural support. The gym walls are thicker than standard classroom walls, meeting ICC 500 load requirements. Because of this, the gym can be used as a shelter for students, staff and the surrounding community in cases of severe weather.