Sparkling New Digs for Mercer International Middle School

by Jenn Gosma

Georgetown’s middle school students have a brand new, state of the art building to call home this year. Finished in the nick of time for the 2025-26 school year, the 174,000-square-foot building is a thing of beauty for the 6-8th graders of Georgetown and Beacon Hill.

Previously, the approximately 800 students attended school in an outdated bunker-like building with aging portables and a cracked pavement outdoor space. The new building has been reoriented and moved closer to the street to be more inviting and prominent at 1600 S Columbian Way, next to the VA Hospital and Jefferson Park.

According to the architecture firm, Bassetti Architects, the sustainable, low-carbon building was designed to highlight the natural beauty of the area with native trees, ample daylight, large timber common areas and views of the community and mountains beyond. Bassetti Architects note that the central corridor of the building serves as the main thoroughfare and draws inspiration from the native name of the land, meaning “green and yellow spine.” This concept went on to additionally influence the layout, materials and color palettes.

Teachers and students returned to school this month with rave reviews. Georgetown’s favorite 8th grade history teacher, Anna Howell of Flora Avenue S, said, “The staff at Mercer are so excited to start the school year in our new building on Beacon Hill. The space is full of natural light and communal spaces for the students to access. The library and commons area are the best parts of the new building. We are all so proud to be here!”

Let’s go Mercer Mustangs! Here’s to a wonderful year of middle school!