July 2020 Design and Construction Update

Jun 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

  • Fitness Center construction is complete! We will be releasing a video with highlights of the space and look forward to hosting a ‘grand opening event’ when it is safe to do so. For now, enjoy these photos captured by Conrad Schmidt Photography.
  • Finish items have been noted, and will be corrected in the next few weeks.
  • City inspections have been completed, and spaces are occupiable.
  • Carpeting/LVT work will be starting this week in the activities office lobby.
  • 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

  • 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 was completed the 2nd week in January. 
  • Foundations are poured
  • Much of the fabricated steel and precast concrete panels are fabricated, and have been shipped and are on site. Area A precast concrete is installed on the safe room
  • Steel erection is completed at building D. Currently, the full steel “skeleton” has been erected. Bar joist and floor decking are installed. Roof decking is installed.
  • Area D roof is on.
  • Area D second floor topping has been poured.
  • Area D framing and sheathing is in progress.
  • Blockwork is completed at the firewall between buildings C and D, as well as area A..
  • Blockwork for the safe room is completed on the first floor, precast was set and second floor block has been completed.
  • Underground utilities are installed
  • All storm sewer main lines are installed
  • Gym wall construction has begun.
  • Block “corners” have been built up in several areas.
  • Area A steel has been erected.
  • A portion of the North parking lot has been poured. The West parking lot has been graded.

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. 
  • The stairway at the HS entry has been installed. 
  • Temporary filler panels have been installed at Webster 
  • Doors have been installed at the HS; awaiting replacement for door hardware.
  • Webster entry work has been in progress and is nearly completed. Some door hardware is currently temporary. 
  • Wiring for electronic entry system is in process
  • Anticipated completion date for the UHS and Webster main entry renovations is summer 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
  • Part 2: Weight Room
    • All existing duct work has been removed and the new duct is installed
  • 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 
    • The balance of work to complete the project to include the North Gym and surrounding area and the Wrestling Room has begun; a great deal has been completed. Ductwork and piping to individual offices and locker rooms is in process.
    • 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 cooled by new rooftop units. 
    • All old air handling equipment has been demolished
    • Boilers in the gym are have been demolished and most old piping demo is complete
    • New Aerco boilers are installed, and piping to them has begun.
    • New Breaker boxes have been installed in the North Gym Boiler Room.
    • Controls programming has begun.
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