Tag: Renovations
SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – Summer 2021, Part 2
Now that summer has come to an end, a few SG projects are wrapping up while construction continues on many others. A few of the construction projects currently underway include the additions and renovations to Knapp Elementary School for the North Penn School District, the demolition of the existing Springfield High School and construction of new athletic facilities for the new high school, the new PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center, the new Upper Merion Area High School, additions and renovations to two School District of Philadelphia Schools, Anne Frank Elementary School and Benjamin Franklin Middle School, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center for the Community College of Philadelphia, and additions and renovations to two Council Rock School District Schools, Hilcrest Elementary School and Sol Feinstone Elementary School, among others.
North Penn School District – Knapp Elementary School, Additions and Renovations
In Lansdale, PA, a phased plan for additions and renovations to Knapp Elementary School is underway. This project has a complex phasing schedule in place so that classes can remain uninterrupted as the school year begins.
The first phases of the project included classroom renovations, many of which are complete. The remaining classroom renovations are underway at various stages.
The renovations to the core of the building, including the new entry, cafeteria, and LGI are ongoing. Steel and glulam beams are fully installed in all of these spaces. An important milestone, the completion of the main entrance, is fast approaching. This addition will act as the connector for the two parts of the school while the renovations to the core are underway. The students will be using the gymnasium as a temporary cafeteria this fall.
Springfield School District – Springfield High School, Existing High School Demolition, Visitor Side Bleacher, and Athletic Fields
In Springfield, PA, demolition work is speeding up. The existing Springfield High School is substantially demolished, the stone retaining wall construction is ongoing, and lot paving has begun for parking. After the completion of the existing high school’s demolition, work will begin on new athletic fields, turf fields, and tennis courts where the original school stood.
The visitor side bleacher construction is progressing and is expected to be completed in time for the first home football game at the new high school and stadium.
Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC)
In King of Prussia, PA, concrete slab placement at the new Regional Traffic Management Center has been completed on each floor. Waterproofing of the concrete footings is complete, the underground plumbing has been installed, and the steel column baseplates are in place.
The site retaining wall is complete, as is the majority of steel and decking. CMU installation in ongoing and interior metal stud framing has begun.
Upper Merion Area School District – New Upper Merion Area High School
Moving on down the road in King of Prussia, construction of the new Upper Merion Area High School continues. Structural steel framing for the major spaces is ongoing while the exterior envelope starts to give the building its form. Masons have been busy with brick work and CMU walls.
As concrete slabs are completed throughout the facility, MEP rough-in work continues closely behind. Activity on site recently picked up as carpenters started on the interior partitions.
Now that the underground tunnel is complete, the gym and pool areas are getting footings and foundations started.
School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Additions and Renovation
In Philadelphia, construction has moved quickly at Anne Frank Elementary School, with the addition complete in time for the new school year.
Community College of Philadelphia – New Career and Advanced Technology Center
Staying with construction projects in Philadelphia, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) for the Community College of Philadelphia is progressing nicely. All building trades have been working diligently on both the exterior and interior of the building, with the next major milestone being the completion of the building enclosure in the next few weeks.
The new CATC will offer excellent views of the Philadelphia Skyline. The project is on track for a February 2022 completion.
Bristol Township School District – Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Additions and Renovations
North of Philadelphia, demolition work at Benjamin Franklin Middle School is complete and interior framing and stud work has started.
Additionally, site work for the new addition is in progress, with concrete footings now installed.
Council Rock School District – Hillcrest Elementary Schools, Additions and Renovations
Heading north towards Council Rock School District, SG has wrapped up interior demolition at the Hillcrest Elementary School, with the kitchen, administration, toilets and library areas completely demolished. Rough in has started throughout for all trades.
During construction, Hillcrest Elementary School students will be temporarily moved to a vacant CRSD school for the upcoming school year. The project is moving ahead quickly with E&S controls and fencing already in place.
Council Rock School District – Sol Feinstone Elementary Schools, Additions and Renovations
Staying in Council Rock School District, SG is working on phased renovations for another elementary school, Sol Feinstone Elementary School. Unlike Hillcrest, which will have students attending classes at a nearby vacant elementary school, Sol Feinstone will be 100% occupied throughout construction. This will result in the construction of temporary classrooms and a temporary egress stair that contains a pathway for students to safely traverse while the addition is underway.
The summer phases for this project are currently under construction, and interior and exterior demolition has recently started. E&S controls are in place and excavation for the new addition is currently underway. Pier footings and foundations at the new classroom addition are ongoing as well.
It is always exciting to watch our design work become reality! We would like to thank our clients, consultants, contractors, and all other team members for your dedication and support of the on-going efforts for these projects!
Learn more about these and other exciting SCHRADERGROUP projects here!
SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – Summer 2021
As we move into the middle of summer, many of our construction projects are now really starting to take shape. A few of the construction projects underway include the new Upper Merion Area High School, additions and renovations to Anne Frank Elementary School for the School District of Philadelphia, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center for the Community College of Philadelphia, the masonry restoration of the Paul L. Dunbar School in Philadelphia, the demolition of the existing Springfield High School, and the PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center, among others.
Upper Merion Area School District – Upper Merion Area High School, New Facility
Construction on the new Upper Merion Area High School continues into the heat of the summer. Infrastructure is being installed and is on pace for a September 2022 completion, just in time for Upper Merion Area School District high school students to start their new school year. Upon completion of and move into the new facility, demolition of the existing facility will begin. Once that demolition is complete, new playing fields will be constructed in its place.
This month, large Glulam Beams continue to be erected in the common areas. In the theater wing, the steel is in place for the stage as the auditorium takes shape.
School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Additions and Renovations
Work on the Anne Frank Elementary School continues in Northeast Philadelphia. Metal panels have been installed on 75% of the new construction areas while the glass and glazing installation is 50% complete.
Acoustic ceiling tile and vinyl composite tile installation continues while the walls are being painted. Ceramic tile flooring has started in the toilet rooms as well. A new feature this month are the railings being installed in the new stairways.
Community College of Philadelphia – Career and Advanced Technology Center, New Facility
The Community College of Philadelphia’s new Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) is progressing in West Philadelphia. Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing rough-ins continue at the interior wall and ceiling level and fire protection systems will follow.
Masonry work continues as well as exterior and interior metal framing. The building enclosure systems are expected to be completed by end of summer or early fall.
Recently, the on-grade concrete slabs were completed on the first floor. This project is scheduled for a February 2022 completion.
School District of Philadelphia – Paul L. Dunbar School, Restoration
Another School District of Philadelphia school project that is wrapping up is the restoration to the Paul L. Dunbar School. The outdated building exterior was in poor shape, with deteriorated masonry around the parapet of the building.
The restoration includes the installation of galvanized steel inlets to replace the rusted ungalvanized ones, the rebuilding of masonry, and the repointing of mortar joints. The project is a restoration of a beautiful WPA funded school. Substantial completion is expected by end of summer.
Springfield School District – Springfield High School, Existing High School Demolition and Visitor Side Bleacher Construction
In Springfield, PA, the new Springfield High School has just been completed. Demolition of the existing High School has begun and is on schedule for completion at the end of the summer.
The Visitor Side Bleacher building footing and foundations have recently been completed. Next up are the masonry walls and door frames as well as site work grading for the athletic fields and tennis courts.
Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) and Parking Structure, New Facilities
The new PennDOT Regional Traffic Management Center in King of Prussia is progressing nicely, with the continued forming of concrete footings and foundation walls. SG serves as the design component of the Heim Construction Design-Build team for this project. At the accompanying parking garage, work has been completed.
It is always exciting to watch our design work become reality! We would like to thank our clients, consultants, contractors, and all other team members for your dedication and support of the on-going efforts for these projects!
Learn more about these and other exciting SCHRADERGROUP projects here!
SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – April 2021
SCHRADERGROUP’S projects are quickly becoming a reality as construction continued throughout April. The team has been hard at work with construction administration for a variety of projects. A few of our construction projects that are underway include: two projects for the School District of Philadelphia, the Community College of Philadelphia’s new Career and Advanced Technology Center, the new Upper Merion Area High School, and the new PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center and Parking Structure.
School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Renovations
Construction continues at Anne Frank Elementary School in northeast Philadelphia. Interior and exterior metal studwork and HVAC ductwork continues while exterior brick work is 80% complete. In the existing building, new VCT flooring has been installed.
School District of Philadelphia – Paul L. Dunbar Promise Academy, Masonry Investigation
Moving into Templetown, masonry restoration work at the Paul L. Dunbar School has finally begun. The historic academy north of center city serves grades k-8 and the façade was in serious need of repair. Old brick parapets were removed and reconstructed with new reinforced and grouted CMU, the exterior brick wythe was reconstructed as well and new flashing and anchors were installed.
This project shows the importance of masonry investigations, as the existing steel angle lintels were severely deteriorated.
Community College of Philadelphia – Career and Advanced Technology Center, New Facility
In West Philadelphia, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center for the Community College of Philadelphia is coming along nicely. The steel frame is being erected from the ground floor level while footings and foundations are ongoing at the first-floor level.
Upper Merion Area School District – Upper Merion Area High School, New Facility
In King of Prussia, the new high school is taking shape. The structural steel and foundation/underground work is ongoing and concrete slabs are underway.
Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) and Parking Structure, New Facility
In King of Prussia, the grading for the RTMC building pad is ongoing. Rebar is on site and concrete footings are being poured. The formwork erection for the southwest retaining wall is recently underway.
The parking structure is progressing quickly. The curtain wall framing at the stairs, the stair railing, electrical conduit, and plumbing piping have all been installed and concrete washes are complete. The roof membrane installation has been recently completed as well.
As the weather improves and work continues, it is exciting to watch these projects come to fruition. We would like to thank all of our clients, consultants, contractors, and supporters for your dedication and support!
Learn more about these and other exciting SCHRADERGROUP projects here!
Hazleton Area School District’s Creative Solutions to Increase Student Capacity
Based on the current enrollments and the rate of new arrivals into the district, and as identified as part of SCHRADERGROUP’s capacity analysis of the District, the District’s Elementary/Middle Schools had reached and were exceeding capacity. To gain a sufficient number of classroom spaces as quickly as possible, SCHRADERGROUP designed and bid multiple building projects to convert existing interior spaces to classrooms. Interior renovations versus new construction not only saved construction costs but also reduced the timeline to occupy the spaces. The completed projects created 30 additional classrooms, increasing the Hazleton Area School District’s (HASD) Capacity to 750 students for grades K-8 for under $6 million dollars.
The two creative solutions to add classroom space was simple – capture underutilized space for the educational program. The first set of renovation projects converted existing pools to classroom spaces at multiple K-8 Schools including Freeland Elementary/Middle School, Heights Terrace Elementary/Middle School, McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary/Middle School and Valley Elementary/Middle School. The added benefit of taking multiple pool facilities off-line was the reduction of on-going maintenance costs to operate the pools year-long.
The second set of renovation projects converted a portion of the library space to a self-contained classroom space with a smaller area for the library functions at some of the elementary and/or middle schools including Drums Elementary/Middle School, Freeland Elementary/Middle School, West Hazleton Elementary/Middle School, Hazel Township Early Learning Center, Hazleton (The Castle) Elementary/Middle School, Maple Manor Elementary/Middle School, Valley Elementary/Middle School and Heights Terrace Elementary/Middle School.
These creative measures to recapture classroom space within the building effectively resolved the capacity needs at the K-8 grade levels for the foreseeable future.
SCHRADERGROUP is grateful for this opportunity and proud to have been part of many building transformations in this community. We look forward to sharing future experiences with HASD!
Learn more about Hazleton Area School District here.
Learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’S work with K-12 facilities here.
Quakertown Community School District’s Neidig Elementary School has been Transformed
Quakertown Community School District’s Neidig Elementary School is one of our best examples of how alterations and additions can transform a 1950s era building into a state-of-the-art learning environment. Originally constructed in 1958, the school opened this fall with a new look, increased capacity to accommodate 600 students to support the District’s enrollment, and spaces designed to enhance the educational program.
The existing classroom wing was renovated to serve the primary grade levels with new cabinetry, finishes and toilet room renovations. A two-story classroom wing expansion for the intermediate grade levels features a centralized large group instruction area on each floor level for interactive and collaborative learning. Building circulation is captured for program space with areas provided for small group instruction and a learning stair at the main entrance lobby adjacent to the expanded administration area. The variety of spaces offer opportunities for student research, development and presentation as part of the next generation of learning.
Building updates in the specials wing of the building includes complete interior renovations to the library, art and music classrooms, as well as the addition of a gymnasium with a stage for physical education and school performances. Other renovations include new HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, updated technology, a new kitchen, new roof and new windows. In addition to the building improvements, site improvements include improved circulation to separate the parent and bus loops, expanded parking and new play areas.
SCHRADERGROUP is proud to have been a part of this building transformation and contributors to Quakertown Community School District’s vision for excellence in education.
To learn more about Quakertown Community School District, click here.
To learn more about QCSD’s Neidig Elementary School, here.
SCHRADERGROUP Celebrates Council Rock School District’s Wrightstown Elementary School
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended Council Rock School District (CRSD)’s ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of Wrightstown Elementary School on October 3, 2019. These new state of the art renovations and additions were completed in time for the 2019-2020 school year.
This addition and renovation project includes a renovated administrative suite, a new gymnasium, upgraded cafetorium, five new classrooms, a new connecting corridor, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire protection replacement as well as improvements to ceilings, roof, floors, interior/exterior finishes and more. Children walked into a building that was essentially “brand-new” on opening day.
Students, teachers, School Board members, parents, and residents gathered as a community to celebrate the facility’s completed improvements. Students cut the ribbon with excitement. They were thrilled about their upgraded and completely air-conditioned school.
SG is honored to have had the opportunity to support this process and to see the impact the project has made on the Wrightstown community. We are proud to have been part of many building transformations in this community and look forward to sharing future experiences with CRSD!
To learn more about this exciting project, click here.