CHULA VISTA,CA-Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on a $10-million elementary school project in Otay Ranch. The project is slated for completion this month.

The 60,000-sf Heritage Elementary School, on 10.3 acres at 1450 Santa Lucia Road in the Otay Ranch development, is the latest in a spurt of school construction to meet growing student populations in the booming area. The Chula Vista Elementary School District is developing the project, which was designed by project architects Tucker, Sadler & Associates.

The firm worked with school officials in determining the design and function of the new facility. The architects, in designing a facility that meets stringent guidelines of the state Department of Education, interviewed teachers, administrators, maintenance personnel and others. The architects strove to duplicate a village-like atmosphere in keeping with the surrounding neighborhoods.