Big Build Renovation Energizes Pattengill
Partner funding provides a new look to a familiar space.
The district's Pattengill School celebrated the reveal of its renovated Owl’s Nest on Friday, October 9, bringing new energy to a shared space that serves Lansing School District students, staff, and community.
The school’s common area was refurbished through B1G Build, a Big Ten Conference initiative that invests in school spaces to support learning, collaboration and creativity. Michigan State University selected Pattengill to participate in the program, which provides a $50,000 investment for each participating school.
“When our partners invest in our schools, they send a powerful message to our students: you matter, your education matters, and your community believes in your future,” said Lansing School District Superintendent Jessica Benavides. “We are grateful for this investment in Pattengill and for the opportunities it creates for our students.”
The project was made possible through the partnership of Michigan State University, the Big Ten Conference, the College Football Playoff Foundation, Eckrich and School Specialty. Their contributions helped revamp the Owl’s Nest while demonstrating a shared commitment to students and public education.
“The Owl’s Nest is a special part of our school, and seeing it refreshed for our students is exciting,” said Pattengill Principal Jamie Nedziwe. "We thank every partner who helped make this transformation possible and showed our students how much they matter.”
B1G Build brings together the Big Ten and its partners to transform common areas at local elementary schools connected to all 18 conference institutions over three years. The initiative pairs improvements to school spaces with efforts to strengthen relationships between universities and the communities they serve.
At Pattengill, that investment benefits a place where students come together. The refreshed Owl’s Nest, named in honor of a beloved Pattengill teacher, reflects the value of welcoming school environments and the difference community partnerships can make.
