BAKER CITY, Ore.—Oregon’s Baker School District has selected LKV Architects of Boise for several projects that fall under the district’s 2021-2023 capital bond slate. The Idaho architecture firm was chosen after a search process facilitated by Wenaha Group, which serves as bond project manager for the Baker School District.

After completing a district-wide Building Facilities Assessment Report, LKV will soon begin its work by renovating the campus’s Baker Early Learning Center. The architect has already finished preliminary design preparation and pre-bond design work.

In a recent announcement regarding the project, Baker School District Superintendent Mark Witty praised LKV’s previous work for educational clients in both Idaho and neighboring Oregon, making the firm a natural fit for the work in his district.

“The LKV design team also has a proven track record with the Baker School District specifically, which led to confidence in their ability to provide the architectural and engineering services necessary to bring bond projects to a successful completion,” Witty remarked.

The Baker School District serves nearly 2,000 students in person, with another 3,000 additional Oregonians taught via online instruction.

The capital bond improvements to the school will take approximately two years.

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CORVALLIS, Ore.—Construction continues on the major renovation of Cheldelin Middle School project in Corvallis.

With a completion date slated for October 2021, the approximately $12 million project includes the renovation of classrooms to create a STEM lab; renovating the library/media center; renovating the cafeteria and restrooms; improving ADA accessibility; improving ADA access; replacing wooden bleachers in the gym; replacing kitchen flooring; upgrading mechanical infrastructure including electrical, heating and plumbing systems; and improving emergency lighting and seismic safety,

The project also included resurfacing the existing track, which is now completed. This involved enlarging the high jump area to accommodate two jumping areas and improving drainage around the long jump area.

The Wenaha Group is managing this project for the Corvallis School District. Gerding Builders is the construction manager/general contractor, and Field Turf USA is the track contractor. Pivot Architecture is the architect.

At present, the project is in the design and permitting stage. According to a Corvallis School District report, the district has contracted with Lancaster Logistics to provide move coordination services. This will help alleviate staff concerns about moving classrooms and to ensure a smooth transition. Given the current load of school projects, the district does not have enough staff to move and set up all of the classrooms that will be impacted.

Pivot Architecture is continuing to work with the site team on the design and construction phasing. Most recently, discussions have included the design of modifications to the existing entry to improve ADA access and provide a secure vestibule.

Pivot Architecture is also working with district staff on the final construction document details and plans on submitting it to the City for a permit in late February.

Additionally, Pivot’s team is working on the design for seismic improvements as part of the process for applying for a $2.5 million State Seismic Grant this month.

Gerding Builders has also completed a 75 percent design development cost estimate. The team is working to refine the designs to in order to complete the project within budget.

Construction is set to begin in June on the extensive renovation.

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KENNEWICK, Wash.—Construction remains well underway on the $87 million Kennewick High School project in Kennewick, Wash. With a completion date slated for August 2021, the new two-story school will span 292,600 square feet and be able to accommodate 2,000 students,

It will replace the original school, built in 1951, which students have outgrown. It has become increasingly difficult to maintain the outdated 68-year-old building’s infrastructure.

The new high school—which will offer student modern learning opportunities—includes a science wing, dining commons, courtyard and other features and will also connect the existing Lion’s Den and a remodeled auditorium.

Fowler General Construction is the general contractor on this project and Wenaha Group is the construction management and consulting firm. DLR Group and MMEC Architecture & Interiors are serving as the architects.
“We look forward to working with the people who will learn and teach at Kennewick High School, to help them design a place that will be a tremendous asset to the future of the community that Kennewick School District serves so well,” said Doug Mitchell, MMEC’s principal architect, in a statement.

This past June, construction began on the track, field and tennis court. In July, demolition and abatement began. This February, the track, field and tennis court construction will be completed. In July 2022, the baseball field will be completed, while demolition of the annex building begins.

Construction at Kennewick High is being paid for by a bond planned that went to voters in February 2019.

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