Work is moving forward to implement the Board-approved improvements for the Johnston REC (6500 building). At the August 10 Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved the plans and specifications for Phase I of the remodeling project to improve safety and healthy concerns and enhance service delivery. Click here for the layout of the project. The color-coding highlights the areas that will be remodeled.
The approved plans and specs keep the building’s current boiler system, improve HVAC ductwork and the return air system and replace the existing HVAC control system. The plans also specify combining the Children’s and Professional Libraries, relocating the Print Shop, creating a state-of-the-art 100-person classroom and adding a new restroom. These improvements will increase efficiency, improve comfort levels for staff and enhance teaching and learning space.
In addition to the approval of the plans and specs, the Board approved bid letting for the project. The budget for Phase I of the remodeling is $1.5 million and will be funded through a lease purchase agreement as required by Iowa Code. The Phase I project will be completed using a phased approach, with construction being done on different areas of the building during two separate time periods. Click here to see the phase plan. The project timeline for Phase I construction is as follows:
August 31, 2010
Pre-bid conference @ 2:00 p.m.
Allows for interested contractors bidding on the project the opportunity to inspect the facility and ask questions.
September 9, 2010
Bid opening @ 2:00 p.m.
Interested contractors submit sealed bids for the project.
September 14, 2010
Board of Directors conducts a public hearing for $1.5M Lease Purchase agreement to fund Phase I project (required by Iowa Code) and to approve the construction contract.
September 15-October 24, 2010
Approved contractor signs contracts, submits proof of bonds and insurance, orders materials and prepares shop drawings.
October 25-December 17, 2010
Phase I construction (classroom and new print center spaces).
December 20-31, 2010
Inspection and final construction work on Phase I, prep for Phase II (of Phase I).
January 3-February 11, 2011
Phase II (of Phase I) construction (library and restrooms).
February 14-25, 2011
Phase II (of Phase I) inspection and completion.
Because of the challenges of construction in an occupied building, provisions are being made to accommodate staff residing in the building during the construction period. These provisions are optional and give staff members a place to work if construction conditions result in an uncomfortable work environment. Briefly, the optional provisions for staff include hotel spaces at the Adel Office or Zion Lutheran Church in Des Moines. In addition, the Remote Workplace Program (RWP, formerly Work-at-Home) has been expanded to meet temporary needs. Staff members will be able to take advantage of these optional provisions with supervisor approval. Details about the expanded RWP are in the RWP manual posted on the Intranet.
Planning for Phase II of the Johnston REC project as a whole is scheduled to begin in 2012 with a tentative construction start in summer 2014. The second phase will incorporate additional improvements to staff and learning spaces and installation of a geothermal HVAC system.
Thank you for your patience as we’ve moved through the process to improve the Johnston REC. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Prall at spall@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14423.
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