February 2020 Design and Construction Update

Jan 30, 2020

District Administration is working closely with our design team (DLR Group) and contractors (Stahl for Olmsted Elementary School; 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 renderings of the UHS Fitness Center!
  • Included below are progress photos of the fitness center exterior and interior main lobby area/restrooms as of 1/28/20. Anticipated completion timeframe is spring 2020.
  • Part 1: Fitness Center / Multi-Purpose Room Construction
    • Brickwork is done.
    • Interior block work continues.
    • Square duct and round duct is being installed; spiro duct has been installed.
    • Window work continues; anticipated completion early February.
  • Part 2: Gym Lobby Restrooms
    • Completed
  • 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”
    • Light tubes are installed, and that allows the area to receive natural light during daylight hours.
  • 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 Winter/Spring when the hallway will be closed due to work being done in the new construction area
  • Part 6: North Gym Balcony Bleachers
    • Completed 
  • 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.

New Olmsted Elementary

  • Check out more time-lapse videos of the construction site.
  • Olmsted Elementary is scheduled to open fall 2021 (for the 2021-22 school year).
  • Topsoil has been stripped, and stockpiled, and building rough grade
  • Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on September 30, 2019
  • Update: Naming of the New Elementary School
  • Due to high groundwater and soil moisture content, a “Rammed Aggregate Pier” system is being used to stabilize the soil and foundation of the new structure. This requires 770 holes to be bored around the building perimeter, and load bearing interior walls, that are then filled with aggregate to form a solid, durable pier that can then be incorporated into the foundation system. Pier work should conclude the 2nd week in January. 
  • Foundations are currently being poured
  • Much of the fabricated steel and precast concrete panels are fabricated, and will be shipped as soon as foundations are poured.
  • Steel erection has begun at building D. Currently, the full steel “skeleton” has been erected.
  • Blockwork is being laid at the firewall between buildings C and D.
  • 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.
  • Demolition of the areas to contain doors to the offices was completed over winter break. 
  • Any work able to be completed with school in session will be occurring, with completion of all phases of the secure entries being completed with as little disruption as possible. 
  • The stairway at the HS entry has been installed. 
  • Temporary filler panels have been installed at both Webster and the HS until the doors and frames are delivered after fabrication
  • Procurement and delivery of aluminum curtain wall, doors, door hardware, and locking mechanisms are ongoing.
  • Additional work on installation of doors, hardware, locks and door entry systems is being scheduled for the week of spring break. Some re-routing to the gym door from Webster’s main entrance may need to occur to facilitate work at that location.
  • 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
  • Part 2: Weight Room
    • All existing duct work has been removed and the new duct will be installed
    • 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
    • The installation of new duct work is completed in the South gym hallway Electrical work and drop ceiling work is completed
    • Sprinkler extensions are completed
    • The locker rooms and the training room are operational
  • Part 4: Balance of Work
    • Welding completed in the Wrestling Room and Fitness Room
    • All four of the units for the Gyms are installed on the roof. 
    • 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
    • Electrical service for the fitness center and part of the HVAC renovations has been completed.
    • Gas service has been installed, and lines to the rooftop units have been installed.
    • South Gym is being heated by new rooftop units. Other areas of the gym are being heated by the existing boilers and air handling units.
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