Bluff View Elementary Named a Top Project of 2019
Five Kraus-Anderson projects were named Top Projects of 2019 by Finance & Commerce. A panel of judges looked at the degree of difficulty, creativity in design, innovative construction techniques, cooperation among contractors and management, and sustainability efforts when choosing winners. Designed by MLA Architects, the Bluff View Elementary addition and remodel earned a Top Project award.
Inside Bluff View Elementary
Bluff View Elementary’s addition features six new classrooms for pre-school and kindergarten students, and a new 3,300-square-foot cafeteria. The former cafeteria was converted into a space for Tiger Time, the school’s childcare program. The project also included a new 10,000-square-foot multipurpose gymnasium with 310-seat bleachers and lines for basketball and volleyball games. It also includes a new concessions area. The remodel upgraded the building’s communications system, replaced the boiler and completed the structural reinforcement of the existing building. Also included in the project was a secure-entry remodel to the main entrance of the building.
The Importance of Community Engagement
This project was built in a tightly-knit community that was very interested in the progress. Additionally, the KA superintendent attended the school when it first opened and still lives in Lake City, so community relations were important. Kraus-Anderson was able to communicate project status and get the community involved throughout the project through a few different means:
- A school assembly was held prior to the groundbreaking ceremony to inform the students, staff, and parents of the scope of the project, schedule, and what to expect at the end. Information presented at this ceremony was then posted to the school district’s website.
- KA provided monthly progress updates for the school board to review at their meetings and distribute to the community. These updates covered progress over the last month, pictures from the site, and what to expect for the next month.
- Toward the end of the project, KA hosted lunch, catered by a local restaurant, to the jobsite and staff members, providing staff an opportunity to meet the construction crews and see the progress of the project.
Lake City Public School District’s 2017 referendum passed a $12 million bond that made the project possible. Kraus-Anderson worked closely with the district on its referendum efforts to inform the community and create solutions that worked best for everyone. Community relations were especially important in this project, and the project team’s close ties to Lake City showed its investment into the community. Ultimately, the entire project team, including the architect, engineers, construction manager, and many subcontractors, worked diligently to create an end product that the school district and Lake City community is proud of.
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