From the Ground Up: Republic R-3 School District Master Plan, Phase I

Owner/developer: Republic R-3 School District
General contractor: Federal Construction Inc.
Architect: H Design Group LLC
Engineers: CJW Transportation Consultants LLC, civil; Toth and Associates Inc., structural; and Colvin Jones Davis LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 45,860 square feet
Estimated cost: $9.5 million
Lender: None
Estimated completion date: August
Project description: Brent Stevens, project architect for H Design Group, said Phase I of the Republic School District’s master plan consists of several building projects related to the creation of Sweeny Elementary. The district’s former Early Childhood Center is being converted into the Sweeny K-5 school, and the property’s renovations include four additions: an 8,800-square-foot Federal Emergency Management Agency safe room and gymnasium; an 8,500-square-foot classroom wing; a 6,000-square-foot classroom wing; and a 3,600-square-foot cafeteria and kitchen. At the corner of Highway 174 and North Main Street will be a new Early Childhood Center, downgraded in recent months to 11,600 square feet, according to Stevens. The adjacent Lyon Elementary is receiving a 7,360-square-foot classroom expansion. Josey McPhail, director of communications for the district, said the projects are funded by an April 2012 voter-approved bond issue and a $1.1 million FEMA grant.

Send project info to bbrown@sbj.net.