FAMU Developmental Research School

COMPLETION DATE:

JULY 2008

PROJECT SIZE:

96,927 SQUARE FEET

PROJECT COST:

$15 MILLION

PRESENT STATUS:

COMPLETED

Project Overview

The Florida A&M University Development Research School project involved the construction of a comprehensive 116,434 square foot K-12 educational campus that serves the dual purpose of educating students and training future educators. Completed in December 2008 at a cost of $24 million, this construction management initiative delivered a modern six-building complex on the historic Florida A&M University campus. Through effective value engineering, the project team saved the university more than $1.5 million while successfully completing the entire campus in just 19 months. The completed facility provides a state-of-the-art learning environment for elementary, middle, and high school students while serving as a practical training ground for university education students preparing to enter the teaching profession.

PROJECT SCOPE

  • Construction of a six-building educational complex totaling 116,434 square feet

  • Development of separate facilities for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms

  • Construction of a dedicated administration building

  • Creation of a multipurpose cafeteria/auditorium with full commercial kitchen

  • Development of a comprehensive media center

  • Construction of a gymnasium for physical education and athletic activities

  • Implementation of tilt-wall construction specifications

  • Installation of advanced technological systems throughout the campus

  • Application of specialized interior and exterior finishes

  • Installation of fire protection and HVAC systems

  • Comprehensive site and utility development

  • Provision of furnishings for the entire complex

KEY FEATURES

  • Integrated K-12 Environment: Comprehensive educational campus serving elementary through high school students in a unified setting

  • Educator Training Capabilities: Specialized facilities supporting the development and training of future educators

  • Tilt-Wall Construction: Efficient and durable building method providing excellent structural integrity and accelerated construction timeframe

  • Energy-Efficient Systems: Implementation of indirect lighting and other energy-conserving technologies

  • Advanced Classroom Technology: Smart boards installed in every classroom to enhance interactive learning experiences

  • Campus-Wide Wireless Network: Comprehensive wireless infrastructure with security integration to FAMU campus police

  • Television Production Studio: Specialized facility supporting media education and content creation

  • Life Safety Technology: State-of-the-art systems ensuring student and faculty safety

  • Multipurpose Facilities: Cafeteria/auditorium space designed for flexible use with full commercial kitchen capabilities

  • Comprehensive Media Center: Modern information resources supporting diverse learning approaches

Construction Approach

Accelerated Schedule Management:

 Strategic planning and execution to complete the 116,434 square foot complex in just 19 months

Value Engineering:

 Comprehensive approach that identified $1.5 million in savings without compromising educational functionality

Tilt-Wall Implementation:

Utilization of efficient tilt-wall construction techniques to accelerate the schedule and enhance building durability

Phased Commissioning:

Systematic testing and activation of complex building systems across six integrated buildings

Technology Integration:

Coordinated installation of advanced educational and security technology systems

Historical Campus Sensitivity:

Thoughtful design and construction approach respecting the historical context of the FAMU campus

Project Challenges

Accelerated Timeline

Accelerated Timeline Completing six integrated buildings totaling over 116,000 square feet in just 19 months required exceptional scheduling and coordination

Multi-Age Educational Design

 Creating appropriate environments for elementary, middle, and high school students within a unified campus setting

Dual-Purpose Functionality

 Designing spaces that serve both as active K-12 classrooms and effective educator training environments

Technology Integration

 Implementing advanced educational technology systems including smart boards, wireless networks, and a TV production studio

Historical Campus Context

 Harmonizing new construction with the existing historical Florida A&M University campus aesthetic

Value Engineering Implementation

 Identifying and implementing $1.5 million in cost savings while maintaining educational quality and functionality