For over 70 years, Peabody Elementary School has been a constant in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, a cornerstone of community and learning. When it came time to replace the original mid-century building, it was important to carry forward its identity.

On a tight 3.4-acre site, a compact two-story design preserves open space and blends with the neighborhood’s residential character. A welcoming, front-porch-style entry leads into a building shaped by Oak Cliff’s creative spirit. The design draws from the nearby Bishop Arts District, incorporating dark brick, metal, and local art to reflect that creative energy.

Planned through virtual charrettes during the COVID pandemic, the school embodies shared values of connection, adaptability, and well-being. Exposed systems and durable finishes help students understand how buildings work, while supporting long-term value.

At its heart, the library, art studio, and makerspace form a vibrant core for creativity. Flexible classrooms and outdoor areas extend from this hub, encouraging learning and connection in every direction. Glass walls bring in daylight and provide views to nature, strengthening the connection between inside and out, while shared collaboration zones support flexible teaching and new ways to learn.

During construction, students, teachers and staff were temporarily relocated to the former Thomas Edison High School but stayed together, preserving routines and relationships. That same sense of continuity carries into the finished building. Bright, transparent, and full of possibility, the new Peabody Elementary grows from its past, meets its present, and welcomes the future.

Design: Pfluger Architects
Design Team: Isabel Corsino, Chad Martin, Kipp Schecht, Casey Mirau
Associated Architect: RGM Architects
Contractor: REEDER Construction
Photography: Wade Griffith