Project Case Study
Replacement Elementary Schools
The priority of the $140 million, 2022 bond was additions, renovations and replacements on thirteen different sites. Replacements for schools at Nashua, Greenway and Crestview elementary were constructed adjacent to the existing schools, requiring careful management of potential disruptions to ensure minimal impact on students and staff while class was in session.
As one of the state’s most culturally diverse elementary schools, Crestview Elementary celebrates the community’s heritage with multilingual greetings at its entrance and a wall mural of the world’s atlas in the lunchroom. Nashua elementary school’s design is themed around the Nashua Stars, featuring different constellation displays for each grade and inspiring students to dream big. Greenway Elementary was themed around elements of nature, incorporating calming colors throughout the facility, paintings of bodies of water and an outdoor classroom overlooking the nearby lake.
Chapel Hill Elementary Additions
Some additions, such as those at Chapel Hill Elementary, provided renovated spaces for students and an added classroom space. Partially renovated during the school year, our team minimized disruptions by carefully coordinating the construction schedule with student schedules, ensuring that both the project and daily school activities proceeded smoothly. In the later stages, the team ensured our trade partners’ work didn’t overlap with other concurrent projects. During project construction, students were actively involved in tours and community events, which highlighted the district’s future and engagement in the process.
New Mark Middle School Cafeteria
The New Mark Middle School Commons renovation transformed the space with new flooring, painting, lighting and ceilings. A standout feature was the custom acoustical gypsum cloud ceiling system, which integrated pendant lighting and a new PA system. The kitchen received upgrades including new below-slab plumbing, updated ceilings, lighting and anti-slip flooring. Select new kitchen equipment and a custom serving line were installed alongside reinstalled existing equipment. The project also included restroom renovations and the addition of new booth and counter-height seating areas to enhance the commons, which serves as both a cafeteria and a multipurpose space.
With a tight summer construction window, efficient planning was critical. The project team faced preconstruction challenges due to a short timeline from receiving drawings to bidding and award. To stay on schedule, procurement was expedited for long-lead materials like wood doors, kitchen equipment and flooring. During construction, unforeseen issues arose when existing kitchen plumbing piping, initially planned for minor replacement, was found to be in poor condition. A video scope inspection revealed the need for extensive additional replacement, more than doubling the original scope. Despite this, the team adapted quickly, integrating the extra work while ensuring the project was completed before the school year began.
Cycle Maintenance
During the 2022 bond, McCownGordon also completed a cycle maintenance project to address critical infrastructure needs at three schools. The project included significant upgrades to Toppings, Golden Oaks and Meadowbrook Elementary, focusing on essential improvements such as finish enhancements and system commissioning.
These upgrades not only enhance the overall learning environment for students but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the district’s facilities.
Strengthening Relationships
As a continuation of their strategic plan, these projects aim to accommodate the increasing student population and update various aging facilities. McCownGordon has had the opportunity to deepen its strong partnership with NKC Schools, supporting their growth and further strengthening their collaborative relationship.
Future Ready Lab
The Future Ready Lab, a program within the North Kansas City School District, serves gifted students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This program offers hands-on learning, real-world problem-solving, local STEAM competition opportunities and independent studies. To further enhance the center, our team collaborated with North Kansas City Schools and Hoefer Welker to build the Future Ready Lab on the third floor of the Northland Innovation Center.
The Future Ready Lab empowers students for the 21st century by offering STEAM-based curriculums, particularly in robotics and automation. Students have access to cutting-edge equipment and technology to bring their innovative ideas to life.