Closure and New Construction Necessity: Midland Elementary School faced closure in February 2016 due to lead and mold concerns. In May 2016, following a competitive Construction Management RFQ and Interview process, MCP was selected to oversee the construction of a new 43,000 square feet elementary school in Lacon, Illinois.
Dynamic Project Budgeting and Collaboration: With an ambitious budget of $9.2 million and a project yet to be designed, MCP collaborated closely with architects, a 20-member building committee, and the school board. A fast-tracked approach was adopted to expedite the design, bidding, and construction phases of the project.
Phased Bidding and Expedited Construction: To meet the established completion date of September 1st, 2017, MCP implemented a phased bidding process, initiating construction in September 2016. Six different bid phases were executed, with the final bid occurring in May 2017. Long lead items like steel and precast concrete wall panels were procured early, facilitating an expedited construction timeline.
Winter Enclosure and Subcontractor Coordination: With a focus on efficiency, MCP worked diligently to enclose the 2-story classroom wing during winter, enabling interior work throughout the colder months. Coordination with subcontractors was crucial to achieving this milestone promptly.
Comprehensive Bid Packages and Project Components: The project, organized into 30+ bid packages, included a new competition gym, kitchen, cafeteria, media center, administration offices, and a 2-story classroom wing. The first-floor, north portion of the classroom wing also served as an ICC-500 rated storm shelter, adding a critical safety feature to the new facility.
Challenges and Client Endorsement: Despite the project’s inherent challenges, including navigating a change in the school superintendent, the past and present school board members continue to be strong references for MCP. This underscores the success of the collaborative approach and MCP’s ability to navigate complexities while delivering successful outcomes.
The construction of Midland Elementary School exemplifies MCP’s commitment to overcoming challenges, fast-tracking project timelines, and collaborating effectively to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that meets safety standards and exceeds educational needs.
