OCPS Discovery Middle School

Support Center

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 1997

PROJECT SIZE:

167,000 SQUARE FEET – 8 BLD CAMPUS

PROJECT COST:

$17 MILLION

PRESENT STATUS:

COMPLETED

Project Overview

Discovery Middle School is a comprehensive educational complex located in Orlando, Florida. This $17 million project for Orange County Public Schools was a joint venture that showcases innovative design and efficient construction methods in educational architecture.

Project Scope

The CTG team was responsible for the following aspects of the Discovery Middle School project:

Estimating
Value engineering
Procurement and management of long-lead items
Construction contracting
Construction of eight buildings totaling 167,000 s.f.
Related roadwork
Development of parking lots
Construction of playing fields and other outdoor activity areas
Implementation of a technology network centered around the media center
Coordination of all subcontractors and trades
Quality control and assurance throughout the construction process
Adherence to project timeline and budget constraints

Key Features:

- Eight-building campus totaling 167,000 s.f.
- Media center serving as the hub of the school’s technology network
- All classrooms linked to Local and National Networks
- Extensive outdoor areas including playing fields
- Modern parking facilities
- Integrated roadwork for improved access
- Construction Approach
  - Multi-building campus design for enhanced functionality
  - Integration of outdoor spaces including playing fields and activity areas
  - Focus on technology integration, centered around the media center
  - Efficient planning and execution of related roadwork and parking facilities

This project represents a significant investment in educational infrastructure, combining safety features, modern technology, and efficient design to create an optimal learning environment for students in West Orange County.

Project Challenges

Complex Site Management

Coordinating construction across eight separate buildings while maintaining overall project coherence and efficiency.

Technology Integration

Implementing a comprehensive technology network linking all classrooms to Local and National Networks, with the media center as the central hub.

Outdoor Development

Balancing the construction of buildings with extensive outdoor areas including playing fields and activity spaces.

Infrastructure Development

Managing the construction of related roadwork and parking lots alongside the main educational facilities.

Budget Control

Managing costs across multiple building projects and extensive outdoor developments within the $17 million budget.

Timeline Adherence

Completing the large-scale, multi-faceted project by the April 1997 deadline.

Future Proofing

Designing the school to accommodate potential future technological advancements and changes in educational methodologies presented additional planning challenges.

Subcontractor Coordination

Efficiently managing and coordinating multiple subcontractors across various specialized areas of the project.

Environmental Considerations

Integrating the extensive outdoor areas while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring sustainability.

Industrial/Transportation