MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL Contractor Construction Management (GCCM) team review the stadium bid documents for Ridgefield High School as they prepare for construction in May.
NEW IMPROVEMENTS TO THE RIDGEFIELD School District will begin this month at the high school stadium and is scheduled to be complete for the 2013-2014 school year.
Over a year since receiving a $47 million bond to bring much-needed renovations and improvements to their facilities, the Ridgefield School District will celebrate the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thurs. May 9, from 6-6:30 p.m. between Union Ridge Elementary and View Ridge Middle Schools.
Working with Vancouver-based LSW Architects, the district is making improvements to all their schools, Ridgefield High, View Ridge Middle School and both South Ridge and Union Ridge elementary schools.
After receiving approval from the state legislature to use the General Contractor/Construction Management (GCCM) in Aug., 2012, the district selected a single team to manage the projects at all four schools, ensuring the involved company team members know the entire district-wide scope. Having every member know the specific needs of the construction underscores the value of utilizing the GCCM process.
“We have a really good camaraderie across the different teams,” said Nick Wellman from Triplett-Wellman Contractors. “Everyone has their sights set on the same goals and we all work together.”
The GCCM team prepared for the construction by performing preconstruction tasks such as designing construction plans, performing surveying of the land, geotechnical testing and budget development. Team members of the GCCM regularly review the construction budget to ensure the projects stay on time and on budget.
“Since all of the GCCM team will work on all the projects, we know them in great detail,” said Wellman. “We look at the budget as if the money comes from our own pockets, which motivates us to find the best solution for the best price.”
Among the many proposed changes coming to the district include a new multi-purpose facility at the high school that includes eight new classrooms and a large space to be used as a “project/presentation” area.
The gym will also get a complete overhaul along with the commons, auditorium and both the band and choral classrooms on the western side of the school. The commons would also get a renovation, as well.
Athletic facilities will get a facelift at the high school through a new synthetic turf field for soccer and football and a resurfaced track with new lighting.
Construction is scheduled to begin with the renovation of the Ridgefield High School stadium, including the refinishing of the track, reconfiguration of the playing field, installation of artificial turf and modifications to bring it in-line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Renovation is scheduled to begin May 13 and be completed by the beginning of the 2013-14 school year.
Official attendees include representatives from the Ridgefield School District Board of Directors, Superintendent Art Edgerly, team members from the Bond Advisory Team, and the GCCM team which includes LSW Architects, Triplett-Wellman Constructors and Ketchum Enterprises Construction Management.
