Adjacent to the rolling Grand River, the new upgrades at Holmes Elementary School are themed after water and the shore. After a community bond vote, Holmes Elementary received a new secure entrance, new media center, spacious commons, and shared collaboration studios. A new gymnasium and multipurpose addition includes a cafeteria, stage, music room, and kitchen.

Water and the shore are reflected in color palettes, finish selections, and furniture colors. The feature wall in the commons area was built with stone, which honors and recalls the historic entry of the old Holmes School.

Versatile and adaptable learning studios along the two-story educational wings were designed within active learning pedagogies. A collaboration stations connects classrooms and movable furniture allows teachers to configure rooms in multiple ways.

Technology upgrades include a new network and server, staff interactive workstations with classroom presentation systems, as well as a new video surveillance system.