School Daze

Location: Madison, NE
Contact: David Deemer, Denise Pilcher

How do you maintain elementary school class schedules and operations while undergoing construction that affects the entire facility – without alternate space options?

Madison Elementary School in Nebraska needed mechanical, electrical and fire protection upgrades throughout their spaces as well as new interior finishes and a 4,000 square foot classroom addition. The schedule was further complicated by the need to abate hazardous materials before construction started.
Working with CPMI as their Construction Manager, school officials have been able to accomplish their goals without compromising their budget. The project team implemented strategies that included:

• A phasing plan where the most disruptive work was performed when school was not in session;
• Early material package purchases to avoid delays when the space became available;
• Multiple prime contractor packages to allow more flexibility and cost and schedule control;
• Completion of the classroom addition to provide swing space for existing space renovations.

The renovation of the West Wing will occur in summer 2009 and will include structural changes, modifications of classroom configurations, new toilets, a new administrative area and a renovated multi-purpose room. Work will continue on the Kitchen and the mechanical/electrical/fire protection systems.

The Architect for the project is Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects.