Project Overview

The Caldwell Elementary School project involved the construction of a new 6,000 square foot media center and the comprehensive renovation of an existing 8,800 square foot media center facility. Completed in May 2003 at a cost of $1.7 million, this construction management initiative enhanced the educational environment for elementary students while optimizing the use of existing campus resources. The project delivered a modern, purpose-built media center with supporting infrastructure while transforming the outdated facility into functional classroom space, effectively addressing both the technological and spatial needs of the growing school. This dual-focus approach of new construction coupled with adaptive reuse demonstrated responsible stewardship of educational resources while providing significant improvements to the learning environment.

Project Scope

• Construction of a new 6,000 square foot media center facility

• Development of covered walkways connecting the new media center to existing campus buildings

• Complete gutting of the old 8,800 square foot media center structure

• Comprehensive renovation of the former media center to create new classroom spaces

• Implementation of new finishing systems throughout the renovated facility

• Coordination of construction activities on an active elementary school campus

• Integration of new facilities with existing campus infrastructure

• Site improvements to accommodate new construction and maintain campus flow

Key Features

• Modern Media Center Design: Purpose-built facility incorporating contemporary educational media technologies and flexible learning spaces

• Covered Walkway System: Weather-protected passages ensuring safe student movement between campus buildings in all conditions

• Adaptive Reuse: Sustainable transformation of the existing media center into valuable classroom space, extending the building’s useful life

• Upgraded Finishes: Implementation of new finishing systems throughout the renovated structure, creating an improved aesthetic and functional environment

• Optimized Space Utilization: Strategic reconfiguration of the former media center to maximize instructional space and support contemporary teaching methodologies

• Campus Connectivity: Thoughtful integration of new and renovated facilities with the existing campus circulation pattern

• Elementary-Focused Design: Age-appropriate design elements throughout both the new media center and renovated classrooms

• Infrastructure Improvements: Updated building systems supporting modern educational technology needs

Construction Approach

1. Phased Implementation: Strategic scheduling of new construction and renovation activities to minimize disruption to ongoing elementary education

2. Value Engineering: Comprehensive approach to identifying cost-effective solutions without compromising educational functionality

3. Selective Demolition: Careful removal of outdated components in the existing media center while preserving structural elements for reuse

4. Campus Coordination: Close collaboration with school administration to align construction activities with academic schedules

5. Procurement Management: Proactive handling of long-lead items to prevent schedule delays and maintain project momentum

6. Quality Control: Rigorous inspection protocols ensuring both new construction and renovation work met educational facility standards