Challenge

The Palmyra R-I School High School facility was plagued with many problems that made it an unproductive and unsafe learning environment. Constructed in 1970, the original design was “open classroom”. The majority of the walls were added in the early 1980’s. The remodeling over the years had resulted in the classrooms not meeting fire code for safe egress.
View Gallery of BEFORE picturesThe lighting levels insufficient and consumed high levels of energy. The HVAC systems were also inefficient and did not provide proper needed comfort levels. The energy costs were double that of their middle school. The roof leaked so badly that buckets were placed throughout the school. School security was also an issue. To fund the desperately needed improvements, a bond election was needed. The district looked to CTS for assistance.

Solution

CTS developed a master plan for the district in 2006 which set the guideline for district-wide improvements. CTS assembled facility information to promote the bond issue to the community in the spring of 2007. The April bond issue passed with a high margin and the board then awarded the contract to CTS. The work began in May as soon as the students were finished. The major renovation project had to be completed in time for the students’ return in August. In the three short months of summer, CTS handled the complete demolition of all interior space (44,000 sq. ft.) with total reconstruction of classroom/administration/cafeteria areas, plus construction of a new 7500 sq. ft. addition. The scope of the project included:

View Gallery of AFTER pictures

• Construction of all interior walls and partitions, flooring, acoustical ceilings, painting
• Window replacement with thermal pane low E units / Plumbing and restroom renovation/interior and exterior door re-placements
• Lighting system retrofit
• Replacement of 60,000 sq. ft of roof
• Installation of all mechanical systems and a building automation temperature control system
• Electrical service upgrades; fire alarm, security, telephone, intercom and wireless clock systems

I can say that CTS has done an excellent job of managing the construction for the entire scope of work complete at the high school during this past summer. The work was completed on time, with no change orders, just as CTS promised. They are currently reviewing bids for the elementary school project and will begin work sometime in October. The Palmyra R-I Board of Education, as well as myself, are very pleased with the work that CTS has done. I would strongly recommend that you and your board take a look at the “De-sign-Build” process, and at CTS.
- Eric Churchwell, Superintendent

Download PDF of Palmyra case study