Public Charter School in Southeast Washington, DC.
Eagle Academy
A creative and highly-educated approach to permitting and construction solves a school’s space problem in time for the new school year.
| Size | Schedule | Cost | Added Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renovation: 60,000 SF New Construction: 27,000 SF | Renovation: 7 months New Construction: 12 Months | $20.3 Million | $1 Million in rent savings |
This project involved the renovation and expansion of an existing public school building to house the Eagle Academy Public Charter School in Southeast Washington, DC. Work included complete new mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems, a new elevator, underground stormwater management systems, and new electric, water, gas, and sanitary services to the building. Substantial IT infrastructure and security design included over 90 IP cameras and smart boards in every classroom. A pool and gym designed for community use were a major part of the addition. The project was designed to meet LEED Silver requirements for Schools. The project exceeded the required 35% CBE participation.
The Challenge
Eagle Academy had been in protracted negotiations with the District of Columbia Government for the 4-acre Gladys McGogney School site in Ward 8. Until the terms of the lease were settled the design for the new Eagle Academy could not be finalized. The lease on the current space was about to expire and Eagle needed a home for their 610 students for the coming school year. The new site had to be ready a month before the start of school so the staff could set up the new space. The required occupancy date allowed only 12 months for permitting and construction. It became clear that approval and engineering time required by all the utilities and the DC Government would use up most of this period without leaving enough time to build the improvements.
The Solution
“Our original plan for the new Eagle Academy campus was to renovate and expand the existing 1960’s era building and add a new gym and pool at the same time. When negotiations with the DC Government forced us to delay our design efforts it looked like we were going to need temporary space. A one year lease, if we could get it, would cost the school about $1 million. Blake Real Estate recognized the situation and with their understanding of the permitting process, proposed an alternate solution to get the building open in time for the next school year. They refocused the design team on the renovation of the existing building and were able to permit that part of the project to allow sufficient time for construction. Not only did the renovation deliver on time, but Blake saved us over a million dollars in rent and additional moving costs. We were able to transition right into the second phase of construction without disruption.”
Dr. Joe Smith, Chief Financial Officer, Eagle Academy Public Charter School
Not only did the renovation deliver on time, but Blake saved us over a million dollars in rent and additional moving costs. We were able to transition right into the second phase of construction without disruption.