Following the successful completion of Fox Run School, Opelika City Schools invited TURNERBATSON back to design the district’s new middle school. Set to be completed in 2029, this 260,000 SF project will include all 6th, 7^th, and 8^th grades, supporting the continued growth and educational needs of the Opelika community.

The new building will house approximately 1,800 students in 100+ classrooms. Each grade level will occupy its own floor for academic classrooms to create a distinct learning environment while maintaining consistency throughout the building. A central “Main Street” corridor will serve as the hub of student activity, providing access to shared classroom spaces, the cafeteria, media center, and athletic facilities. Large open stairways will create strong visual and physical connections between the Main Street spaces on each level, while strategic sightlines and corridor lengths will enhance staff supervision and student safety.

The exterior design draws inspiration from historic Georgian-style architecture, featuring traditional columns at the entrances and gabled parapet walls. An abundance of windows will bring natural light into the building, enhancing the interior experience while helping to reduce the perceived scale of the exterior.

Opelika has a strong athletic tradition, and the new facility reflects the district’s continued commitment to its athletic programs. Athletic amenities will include a competition gymnasium with seating for approximately 1,500 spectators. Additional facilities will include a weight room, wrestling room, cheer room, and practice gymnasium, all complemented by locker rooms and coaches’ offices. The athletic and band facilities are intentionally positioned to provide convenient access to the new outdoor field.

The field will be surrounded by a new competition track. The football field can also serve as a soccer field, all of which is designed to accommodate approximately 2,000 spectators. Adjacent to the field, a covered multipurpose practice facility will support a variety of athletic activities and sports programs.