Academy School District 20’s Village High school combined online learning with in-person instruction. This teaching style has become so popular that their enrollment has doubled, requiring more space. ASD20 purchased an old building that was being used as a church, to renovate and repurpose
into a school building capable of serving 400 students. This design-build project was fast-tracked. The building required a change in
occupancy, a new mechanical system, ADA upgrades, new
electrical service, sprinkler system, fire hydrant, correct a leaky basement, upgrade the elevator, and meet building egress requirements.
The greatest challenge to meeting the aggressive schedule was the mechanical system. Mechanical equipment lead times were averaging around 14 weeks out, and healthcare rapid response projects were snapping up the in-stock supply of air handling units and chillers. The team decided to competitively bring the critical mechanical and electrical subcontractors and engineers on board immediately upon award to help craft an approach to meet the challenge. A variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system was deemed to be the best fit for these conditions offering greater controllability, smaller required duct sizes — ideal for a retrofit, energy efficiency, system availability, and a shorter lead time.
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Client: Academy School District 20
- Size: 20,600 SF
- Cost: $4.5 million
- Architect: FBT Architects