From the Ground Up: Hickory Hills K-8 school

Owner/developer: Springfield Public Schools

General contractor: DeWitt & Associates Inc.

Architect: Jack Ball & Associates Architects PC

Engineers: Olsson Associates Inc., civil, mechanical, electrical and plumbing; and Pinnacle Design Consultants LLC, structural

Size: 124,000 square feet

Estimated cost: $18.5 million

Lender: none

Estimated completion date: Dec. 16

Project description: Construction of the new Hickory Hills K-8 school is in its final stages, said project manager Heath Dawson of Dewitt & Associates Inc. Finishing touches on the middle school wing, including placement of ceiling tiles and floor coverings, will take place during the week of Dec. 7, and all work should be complete by Dec. 16. Classes are scheduled to begin on Jan. 4. The school is designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Silver certification and is constructed with renewable construction materials, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and photo-cell lighting. Nearly $11 million of the project was funded through 2006 bond funds, said Teresa Bledsoe, manager of community relations for Springfield Public Schools. The remaining portion is being funded through lease participation certificate financing, she said.Springfield Business Journal brings you new projects each week. Send project info by e-mail to sbj@sbj.net or by fax to (417) 799-0603.