From the Ground Up: Cherokee Middle School

Owner/developer: Springfield R-XII School District

General contractor: Flintco Inc.

Architect: Sapp Design Associates Architects PC

Engineers: Anderson Engineering Inc., civil; Scott Consulting Engineers PC, structural; Malone Finkle Eckhardt & Collins Inc., mechanical, electrical and plumbing

Size: 125,357 square feet

Estimated cost: $15 million

Lender: None

Estimated completion date: Fall 2009

Project description: This renovation and expansion project involves the demolition of 46,623 square feet, construction of 69,712 square feet and renovation of 55,645 square feet. On balance, the 101,968-square-foot middle school will increase to 125,357 square feet, according to Bryan Saunders, project manager for Springfield R-XII School District. The project includes grading work; reorientation of athletic fields; classroom additions; air-conditioning installation; and upgrading of food-service areas, multipurpose room, administrative space, counseling offices and science rooms. Work is being funded by the district’s $96.5 million bond initiative approved by voters in April 2006. Cherokee was originally built as Kickapoo South in 1960. Of the school’s 12 additions, the most recent was its technology center in 1994, Saunders said.

Reporter Cory Smith brings you new projects each week. He may be reached by e-mail at csmith@sbj.net, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 616-5854.