The Knoch School District embarked on its journey to renovate the high school in August. However, during a special meeting held on August 26, the district faced a tough decision. They opted not to accept any bids for general construction or landscaping due to unexpectedly high costs.
To navigate this challenge, the district turned to DRAW Collective for help in redefining the project’s scope. Their collaborative efforts have yielded positive results, with four bids already received since reopening the bidding process on October 26. Principal architect, Cassandra Renninger, noted that there was considerably more contractor interest, and their bids aligned closely.
Renninger, alongside fellow principal architect Jeremy Beatty, presented three potential scenarios for moving forward, all of which remained within the district’s budget of just over $38.5 million. They showcased a map illustrating the proposed renovation, highlighting “baseline” changes in green and potential construction “alternates” in red – features to be added if bids permit.
The “baseline” components included a theater classroom, wellness center, chemistry wing, kitchen, boiler room, and a chiller, among others. The first scenario encompassed all baseline elements and a STEM area, estimated at just over $38 million. The second option added an auditorium to the baseline, totaling just over $36 million.
The third scenario combined the baseline with both the STEM area and auditorium, with an estimated cost of $39 million, slightly exceeding the budget. Beatty suggested that savings achieved by adjusting the scope of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components could help balance the costs.
The ultimate goal, as Superintendent Foley emphasized, is to create enriched learning opportunities for the students. The project aims to provide innovative learning spaces that will better prepare students for their future endeavors upon graduation from the school system.