Project Case Study
For 150 years, 901 Poyntz Avenue has been synonymous with education. From its humble origins as a two-story schoolhouse to its current state, the Lincoln Education Center has served its community well. This was the final project of a 15 project multi-phase $130 million master plan. McCownGordon Construction was selected as the CMAR for the most complex and challenging projects across the master plan.
The renovation transformed the original 1913 building from aging classrooms into modern offices for administrative personnel and central library services, a school board meeting room and a community resource center complete with space for the FIT Closet & Clothing Exchange and a dining room to host Common Table meals.
With a goal of preserving many historic elements of the 180,000 SF building, while mitigating the deferred maintenance items, our preconstruction team began analyzing the largest expense items. The mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) budget accounts for nearly 35 percent of construction costs so multiple options were considered for the MEP system to ensure proper function for current and future needs. Ultimately, the team proposed the right mix of cost options to add a brand new HVAC system to the building.
Once construction started and demolition was underway, the team often encountered old-fashioned construction methods and materials. Uncovering pre-existing issues, which required repair work before construction could continue, was one of the most challenging and interesting aspects of the early days of the project.
