From the Ground Up: Jarrett Middle School

Owner/developer: Springfield Public Schools
General contractor: Branco Enterprises Inc.
Architects: Dake Wells Architecture Inc., project; and SWT Design (St. Louis), landscape
Engineers: CJW Transportation Consultants LLC, civil; Structural Engineering Associates Inc. (Kansas City), structural; Smith-Goth Engineers Inc., mechanical, electrical and plumbing; and Terracon Consultants Inc., geotechnical
Size: 132,148 square feet
Estimated cost: $41.5 million
Lender: None
Estimated completion: Late 2022
Project description: The new Jarrett Middle School features contemporary design that sets it apart from the century-old building it’s slated to replace, according to Eric Sherrell, project manager for Branco Enterprises. The building is rising at the site of the former Portland Elementary School. Sherrell said the most noteworthy element of the school is its interactive learning stairs, an open-concept environment for learning and relaxing on large stairs with a multipurpose area at the base. Other features include use of natural daylight, flexible learning spaces and a storm room. Sherrell said the outdoor activity space was designed with students in mind, including a new football field with a track surrounding it. The school will serve up to 725 students in grades six through eight, according to the SPS website. Funding for the project is through Proposition S, the $168 million school bond issue that passed in April 2018 to fund 39 projects.