July 2019 Design and Construction Update

Jun 30, 2019

The District Facilities Leadership Team is working closely with our design team (DLR Group) and contractors (Stahl for Elementary School #1 and Rochon Corporation for UHS Fitness Center). Below you’ll find an updated summary of actions that have been taking place for multiple construction projects.

PROJECT UPDATES

UHS Fitness Center

Construction continues on schedule; included below are progress photos of the fitness center exterior and interior restrooms in the main lobby area. Anticipated completion timeframe is mid-winter 2020.

Design/photos: UHS Fitness Center
The UHS Gymnasium Doors are closed (the area is fenced in); thus, for activities/events that one would have entered through the Gymnasium Doors from the parking lot, please enter through the PAC doors.

Overview of space: The new space will feature an approximate 3,800 sq ft multi-purpose fitness area with flooring to support a host of activities such as yoga, cheer practice, and dance practice. Also featured will be an approximate 9,300 sq ft weight/fitness area that will accommodate free weight training, and speed and agility enhancement with a single lane of track and of turf. Approximately 4,900 sq ft will include circulation areas, lobby, new concessions, and new restrooms that support activities in the two existing gymnasiums. The Fitness Center will support general wellness of all UHS students as the spaces will be incorporated into the daily academic Physical Education (P.E.) program. Spaces may also support Urbandale Community Education Classes.

Elementary School #1 (Olmsted site)

Design/photos: Elementary School #1
July 4: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Community is welcome to walk through the Olmsted building one last time (areas that are still accessible).
July 6: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We’ll be hosting a Garage Sale at Olmsted for items that are not being stored or redistributed throughout the district. Review this news article for specific information.
Mid-July: Demolition of the Olmsted building will begin with construction to follow.
Naming the new Elementary School: We are in the initial stages of planning a process for naming the new school. It will be a collaborative process welcoming input from educators, parents, and community members. We anticipate the Naming Process will begin this fall. Throughout the process, we will adhere to the guidelines outlined in Board Policy 921 – Naming of District Facilities and Events.
Community Preparedness Training: Urbandale Police Department and Urbandale Fire Department will be conducting training exercises at the Olmsted building throughout the week of July 8 (July 8-13). The majority of training exercises will take place during the daytime hours but there are also some training exercises scheduled for the evening hours.
District has received approval from the Urbandale Baptist Church for use of additional parking near Jensen and is continuing discussions with Merle Hay Mall for additional parking.
District has received approval from Aldersgate United Methodist Church for use of additional parking near Karen Acres.
During construction, the Adventuretime Summer Program is located at Karen Acres Elementary.
Offices for Adventuretime Family Services have moved to the office space adjacent to the District Administration Office in the Aurora Business Park. This space will serve as the office location for Adventuretime as well as serve as storage for Olmsted materials. You’re welcome to set up online payments by visiting the RevTrak site or drop off payments at the new office located at 11140 Aurora Ave, Urbandale IA, 50322.
The new elementary school #1 is scheduled to open fall 2021 (for the 2021-22 school year).

PPEL PROJECT UPDATES

UHS and Webster Elementary Main Entry Renovations; Webster Computer Lab Renovation

An important part of providing a safe and secure environment for all students, staff, and patrons of the Urbandale CSD is consistently evaluating facilities to maintain a balance of a welcoming and secure campus. Following further evaluation, door entry/lobby modifications are being planned at the Urbandale High School Main Entry and the Webster Elementary Main Entry in order to provide immediate and direct access to the Main Office upon arrival at each school building. In addition, removing the tiered floor in the Webster Elementary computer lab in order to make the floor flat so the space can be better utilized.

March 25: Urbandale CSD School Board provided approval of the Design Development
April 22: Public Hearing
May 20: Due to a robust construction market in the Des Moines metro, no public bids were received for the construction phase portion of the work. However, this work is still a District priority and thus we are working with our current construction partners to seek an alternative approach to completing this work for the benefit of all District patrons. Further information regarding timing and progress will be forthcoming in future updates.

UHS HVAC Renovations

Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Comfort are key to enhancing the learning and working environment of all Urbandale CSD facilities. Over time, building system components age and need more than regular maintenance attention to maintain a healthy and comfortable environment. The oldest remaining portion of the original high school, the gymnasium area, has HVAC systems that have exceeded their intended life span. Over the course of the 2019-20 school year, the District is investing in HVAC upgrades to replace aged equipment, as well as add cooling to these spaces.

March 25: Urbandale CSD School Board provided approval of the Design Development
April 22: Public Hearing
May 20: Board approved the construction bid for the HVAC system for the south end of the high school.

Due to the construction in the south end of the high school, including both gyms, the lobby, and locker rooms, there are potential adjustments that may need to be made for some high school athletics, youth recreation activities, and Community Education programs. We will keep you informed as we move forward with construction.