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Prop S projects propel SPS to Developer of the Year

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Springfield Public Schools captured the Developer of the Year Award at tonight’s 37th annual Salute to Design and Construction Awards Banquet, held at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center.

SPS was recognized for myriad projects completed through the district’s $168 million Proposition S bond issue, passed by voters in spring 2019.

Through Prop S, the district has addressed safety, accessibility and quality issues, including the construction of secure entrances. The district also embarked on new builds or restorations of the Adah Fulbright Early Childhood Center, Hillcrest High School and Jarrett Middle School, and Boyd, Delaware, Sunshine, Williams and York elementaries.

Work continues on the projects, and total of 38 sites have been impacted throughout the district. These have included renovation or reconstruction of six schools, construction of safer entrances at 31 schools and expanding preschool classroom space in northwest and southwest Springfield, according to the district website.

Travis Shaw, executive director of operations for SPS, accepted the award on behalf of the district, noting, “This is a celebration for the entire community of Springfield. It’s humbling that we can affect so many kids’ lives.”

He credited the community with supporting the bond issue that funded the projects that earned the district its distinction, and added the projects are about halfway finished at this point.

“Thank you so much,” he said. “What an honor to celebrate Springfield Public Schools and the work that is being done daily to affect kids’ lives in positive ways.”

The Salute to Design and Construction Council also honored two people with a Lifetime Achievement Award: Chris Nattinger, former owner of Nattinger Materials Co. who's worked for five decades in the construction industry, and Norris Cornell, whose career spanned six decades and included work at Sharp Brothers, Garney Construction, Walton Construction Inc., Williams Construction and Q & Co. LLC.

The Springfield Contractors Association presented the Design Team of the Year award to the architects and engineers behind Innovative Dental, which opened in 2020 at 6401 S. Innovation Ave., on the south end of Springfield along U.S. Highway 65.

The team included Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, architecture and interior design; Anderson Engineering Inc., civil engineer; Miller Engineering PC, structural engineer; Jennifer Winslow PE/Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, mechanical, engineering and plumbing engineer; Snyder Construction Group LLC, construction manager; and Innovative Dental, owner.

The American Institute of Architects presented the Craftsman of the Year award to Dianna Devore and the Design Fabrication team for their work on the new Miller Engineering office building. The AIA also presented the Superintendent of the Year Award to Aaron Keeton with Nabholz Construction Corp. for his work on Williams Elementary School.

The National Association of Women in Construction presented two awards to women in construction. The Vesta Award, given to someone who has been in the industry over 10 years, was presented to Melissa Turpin, president of Unique Tile. The Rosebud Award is given to someone who has been in the industry for less than 10 years, and it went to Megan Short, executive director of the Springfield Contractors Association.

Joe Everest of Ozark Fence and JW DeLong of DeLong Plumbing Heating & Air were the emcees for the banquet, where 27 scholarships were awarded and five Missouri State University teams were recognized for placing in the Associated Schools of Construction Region IV Management Competition. Annual photo contest winners also were recognized.

Comments

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user11409

Wouldn't it be great if SPS won awards for teaching our children instead of Developer of the Year using taxpayer money.

Monday, November 15, 2021
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