From the Ground Up: Wilder Elementary shelter and gymnasium

Owner: Springfield Public Schools
General contractor: DeWitt & Associates Inc.
Architect: H Design Group LLC
Interior design: Hollis and Miller Architects Inc.
Engineers: RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, structural; Olsson Inc., civil; and CJD Engineering LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 10,000 square feet
Cost: $5.47 million
Funding source: Proposition S general obligation bond
Estimated completion: June
Project description: A gymnasium and music facility that doubles as a safe room is being added to Wilder Elementary School. According to DeWitt & Associates Marketing Manager Chrissy Groeteke, the project includes selective demolition of existing construction and minor interior renovations, as well as a new 10,000-square-foot precast concrete building connected by a corridor to the main school building. In addition to the prestressed concrete wall and roof system, the project includes miscellaneous masonry, metal stud walls, aluminum storefront and entrances, interior finish work, and electrical, mechanical and plumbing components. The project is part of the $220 million Proposition S bond issue approved by voters in April 2023. Proposition S plans called for five other elementary schools and also included safety and security upgrades at all schools, new construction of two middle schools and the renovation of Pershing School, according to the SPS website.