October 2019 Design and Construction Update

Oct 1, 2019

The District Leadership Team is working closely with our design team (DLR Group) and contractors (Stahl for Elementary School #1; Rochon Corporation for UHS Fitness Center, UHS/Webster main entry, and Webster computer lab; Two Rivers Group for UHS HVAC). Below you’ll find an updated summary of actions that have been taking place for multiple construction projects.

PROJECT UPDATES

UHS Fitness Center

  • Check out NEW renderings of the UHS Fitness Center!
  • Included below are progress photos of the fitness center exterior and interior main lobby area/restrooms as of 9/27/19. Anticipated completion timeframe is spring 2020.

 

  • Part 1: Fitness Center / Multi-Purpose Room Construction
    • Footings have been completed
    • Interior walls are complete and Exterior wall construction is in progress
  • Part 2: Gym Lobby Restrooms
    • Interior structure has been constructed 
    • Tiling has been completed
    • Installation of fixtures has been completed
    • Electrical work has been completed
    • Flooring work has been completed
    • Restrooms are in use with some temporary partitions in place.
  • Part 3: Gym Lobby
    • Area is a workspace and a construction zone
    • New lighting is completed
    • Limited use of space, this includes the connector to the “trophy case hallway”
  • Part 4: North Gym Hallway Locker Rooms
    • Installation of individual shower units have been completed
    • Epoxy finishes have been installed on walls and floors
    • New restroom partitions have been installed
    • Final finish work related to the ceilings will be completed summer 2020
  • Part 5: “Trophy Case Hallway”
    • Currently available for use. 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 of old upstairs bleachers was completed on April 1, 2019
    • Delivery and installation of new bleachers has been completed
    • New safety railing has been installed.
  • 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
  • Elementary school #1 is scheduled to open fall 2021 (for the 2021-22 school year).
  • We held a Groundbreaking Ceremony on September 30th to celebrate the start of construction for the new elementary school. Enjoy a few photos from the event! 

 

  • Naming the new school:
    • Online Surveys: We anticipate creating two online surveys as we seek initial ideas for a school name (survey #1 was sent on 9/23 and closed on 9/27) and then use the results to begin narrowing down options. A second survey will be shared with community members mid-to-late October.
    • Naming Committee: Our Naming Committee, made up of students, staff, parents, and community members will be meeting on October 3 and November 13. Your survey feedback will help the Naming Committee prioritize options as we move through this process.
  • Offices for Adventuretime Family Services have moved to the office space adjacent to the District Administration Office in the Aurora Business Park. 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.

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.
  • Webster computer lab remodel has been completed.
  • Anticipated completion date for the UHS and Webster main entry renovations is 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 and the following summer, 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 and new work on the gym floor level has been completed
    • We are back in the gym space at this time
    • Remaining work to be completed in the evening throughout the next few weeks
  • Part 2: Weight Room
    • All existing duct work has been removed and the new duct is on the balcony awaiting installation
    • 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 and the installation of new duct work continues in these spaces
    • Electrical work and drop ceiling work remains
    • Sprinkler extensions are completed
    • The locker rooms and the training room are operational and work will be finished during the evening hours
    • There is no definitive time frame on this work at this time
  • Part 4: Balance of Work
    • There is ongoing work in the Wrestling Room that is to be completed by October 4
    • There is additional work in and around the second floor of the gym complex that remains should be complete on or about October 4
    • Three (3) of the four (4) units for the Gyms have arrived and will be installed on the roof October 9th. The remaining unit will arrive in late October, and be installed before the heating season arrives
    • Additional work continues in this area and work will be conducted in the evening hours
    • 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
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