Fox Elementary in Richmond reopens more than three years after devastating fire

Aug 7, 2025 - 00:25

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Fox Elementary in Richmond reopens more than three years after devastating fire

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — After more than three years of waiting, Richmond’s Fox Elementary School is officially reopening its doors after the historic building was destroyed by a fire in February 2022.

The newly rebuilt school maintains its original two-story layout, complete with a basement that includes classrooms and a cafeteria. While the design closely resembles the pre-fire structure, some alterations were made to the basement to improve functionality and safety.

The new Fox Elementary School in Richmond on Wednesday, Aug. 6 that was rebuilt three years after a devastating fire. (Photo: 8News)

(Photo: 8News)

The 2022 fire, which tore through the 111-year-old building, occurred after fire alarms failed and in the absence of a sprinkler system. In the aftermath, students and teachers relocated to the nearby Clark Springs Elementary School, where they remained during reconstruction.

Now, the updated $31 million Fox Elementary is ready to welcome more than 400 students and staff back to a modern, reimagined learning environment. From the outside, the structure appears brand new, but inside, elements of the original school have been preserved — including salvaged doors now used in a trophy case.

Some modified additions to the school include a soundproof "gymatorium," a flexible space for physical education and performances, as well as a dedicated reading instructional suite. Families, current students and alumni have already been invited to see the transformation for themselves.