Fueling Curiosity: A Schools Innovative Expansion

Architect: Collins Cooper Carusi

Location: Sandy Springs, Georgia

Project Overview: The Mount Vernon School was founded in 1972 as the Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. A school that promotes their mission of “inquiry, innovation, and impact,” they believe in igniting individual curiosities and passions. That is why it was only natural that school leaders embark on an endeavor to expand programming through the opening of the Upper School. This new facility sets out to provide a learning environment in support of innovation and exploration. Hodges and Hicks General Contractors was hired to perform preconstruction, extensive value engineering, site logistics coordination, scheduling, and general contracting in support of the School’s overarching vision.

Highlights:

• A formal RFP process led to the selection of Hodges & Hicks General Contractors.
• The central location of the Upper School presented logistical challenges as the campus remained open and occupied during construction; therefore, construction work and material deliveries were carefully planned around campus activities, staff and students.
• Hodges & Hicks leveraged their unique understanding of the market to thoughtfully select the right subcontractor base for the project, which optimized the budget.
• Construction teams proactively procured and integrated cutting-edge technology and innovative products such as self-tinted glass and Skyfold partitions into scheduled activities to avoid disruption and delays.
• Seasoned field crews reworked sequencing and construction activities to account for an unusually rainy season and inclement weather to maintain schedule and plans for opening.
• Close partnership with The Mount Vernon School leaders and staff supported campaign fundraising events, initiatives and early project tours.
• Hodges & Hicks remained a good neighbor to surrounding businesses and homes through proactive planning, isolating construction traffic from nearby residential neighborhoods.
• The team achieved success through unprecedented labor and material shortages.

Results: The Mount Vernon School successfully welcomed students at the start of the school year into the new Upper School. This building offers all of the unique key components desired by School leadership while promoting creative exploration of studies in areas such as STEM, math, arts, maker, humanities and other related fields while providing community space for gathering. By pushing the envelope, leaders ensured this building will remain a beacon on campus well into the future.

Learn more about the project on The Mount Vernon School’s website channel:

Project Scope

The Mount Vernon School STEM Building includes a new 3-story 58,000 SF STEM building. The building includes multiple innovative design features such as View Glass, operable walls, writable surfaces, design/makers spaces, chemistry and science labs, and much more. The basement of the new STEM building includes a large kitchen, servery, and custom coffee bar.

Schedule: May 2018 – August 2019