August 2019 Design and Construction Update

Jul 31, 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, UHS/Webster main entry, and Webster computer lab). Below you’ll find an updated summary of actions that have been taking place for multiple construction projects.

PROJECT UPDATES

UHS Fitness Center

  • Included below are progress photos of the fitness center exterior and interior main lobby area/restrooms. Anticipated completion timeframe is spring 2020.
  • Part 1: Fitness Center / Multi-Purpose Room Construction
    • Area has been graded to level
    • Space is currently being excavated in preparation for footing installation
    • October 4, 2019 complete enclosure expected
    • Equipment delivery and installation to follow
  • Part 2: Gym Lobby Restrooms
    • Interior structure has been constructed
    • Finish work to include tiling and installation of fixtures remains
    • Electrical work remains
    • Flooring work remains
    • Estimated use of space on August 23, 2019
  • Part 3: Gym Lobby
    • Area is a workspace and a construction zone
    • New lighting is currently being installed
    • Estimated limited use of space on August 23, 2019; this includes the connector to the “trophy case hallway”
  • Part 4: North Gym Hallway Locker Rooms
    • Estimated return of water / sewer service on August 12, 2019
  • Part 5: “Trophy Case Hallway”
    • Space remains closed due to entry leading into construction zone
    • Estimated use of space with connection to Gym Lobby on August 23, 2019
    • There will be times throughout the fall when the hallway will be closed due to work being done in the new construction area
  • Part 6: North Gym Balcony Bleachers
    • Removal was complete on April 1, 2019
    • Delivery and installation of new bleachers by September 30, 2019
  • Design/photos: UHS Fitness Center
  • 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)

  • Groundbreaking Ceremony: We’ll host a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the first new elementary school this fall. Specifics to follow once a date is confirmed. 
  • Olmsted playground equipment is being put to good use: either being moved to neighboring elementary schools in the district, being stored, or being recycled. 
  • Naming the new Elementary School: An internal team met in July to discuss best practices for creating a collaborative naming process. The team will request a diverse representation of community members to participate in a Naming Committee, while seeking input from the entire community. A second internal meeting will be scheduled in August in order to further plans for developing a Naming Committee. Anticipate the naming process will begin late fall. Throughout the process, we will adhere to the guidelines outlined in Board Policy 921 – Naming of District Facilities and Events.
  • 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, we will be removing the tiered floor in the Webster Elementary computer lab in order to make the floor flat so the space can be better utilized. 

  • Urbandale CSD School Board provided approval of the Design Development
  • Urbandale CSD School Board provided approval of Rochon Corporation as our construction partners for these projects.
  • Anticipated complete date for the Webster computer lab remodel is fall 2019.
  • Anticipated completion date for the UHS and Webster main entry renovations is winter/spring 2020.

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 north 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.

  • Urbandale CSD School Board provided approval of the Design Development
  • Part 1: South Gym
    • All existing duct work and mechanical units have been removed
    • New duct work is arriving in stages, being painted, and hung in the gym
    • Estimated return to gym use is August 15
  • Part 2: Weight Room
    • All existing duct work has been removed
    • New duct work has yet to arrive
    • Limited down time expected once new duct work arrives and will be hung
    • Existing space is still operational and in use by UHS Strength and Conditioning Staff and UHS students
  • Part 3: Locker Rooms, Training Room, Auxiliary Spaces
    • All existing duct work has been removed
    • Installation of new duct work continues
    • Electrical work and drop ceiling work remains
    • Training Room will be accessible from the exterior of the building first, on August 5, 2019
    • Other space expected to be complete by August 15, 2019, with the exception of the southwest locker rooms off the South Gym which will be delayed until August 23, 2019
  • Part 4: Balance of Work
    • There is ongoing work in the Wrestling Room that is to be complete by August 23, 2019
    • There is additional work in and around the second floor of the gym complex that remains; this should be complete on or about August 23, 2019
    • The units for the South Gym will arrive and be installed on the roof by September 15, 2019
    • Work on the HVAC systems in this area will conclude on August 23, 2019, with additional work taking place in the evenings if necessary
    • The balance of work to complete the project to include the North Gym and surrounding area and the Wrestling Room will begin in April 2020
  • Progress photos below.

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