Construction Updates
In April of 2010, the MRH community passed Proposition Y, a bond measure designed to address a number of facility concerns throughout the district. This section of the MRH website outlines the projects and progress. Details about some of the smaller projects follow the descriptions of the two major projects – the Early Childhood Center’s renovation/expansion and the parking lot at the Middle/High School. Please note: Check back frequently for updates.
The Two Major Projects
Early Childhood Center - Kitchen/Cafeteria
Description: In order to address an outdated and inadequate kitchen and serving area, while also addressing other facility improvements and necessary upgrades, the district is renovating and expanding the northwest wing of the ECC. Once completed, the wing will be expanded to the west about 20 additional feet, and will feature an improved entrance area facing the school's parking lot. Inside, the most notable change will be the upstairs, where the gym will be converted into a combined gym and cafeteria. The space will include a movable divider, allowing the room to be divided into two smaller spaces or to be used as one large space. Plans also call for the addition of a teaching kitchen and access to the outside playspace on the north side of the building. The hallway will get a facelift and additional bathrooms will be added. Downstairs the current kitchen/cafeteria will be converted into a multipurpose space, and along with the hallway, will get a facelift.
Cost: $2,244,731
Timeline: Construction will start in June and be completed in the fall of 2011.
Architect: Bond Wolfe Architects
Construction manager: S.M. Wilson
 ECC Kitchen/Cafeteria Addition & Renovation Click to Enlarge |
 ECC Kitchen Addition Click to Enlarge |
Middle/High School - Parking Lot/Courtyard/Exterior
Description: A crumbling and inadequate parking lot, old chain link fences, and a cooling tower that violates city code. These are projects that the district will address as part of an overall project of addressing the school's lack of parking and lack of a suitable entrance area. Since the passage of the bond, the district has a acquired a number of home just north of the building. The plan is to modify the area, including Lohmeyer and Florent Avenues, to have a new parking lot available for staff, visitors, and students. The current lower level parking lot will then be converted to a courtyard, thereby establishing an appropriate entrance area for the school.
Cost: $2,107,888. Includes cost for purchasing properties, parking lot and courtyard construction costs, and cooling tower screens.
Timeline: Construction will start in June and will be completed in the fall 2011.
Architect: Bond Wolfe Architects
Construction manager: S.M. Wilson
 Parking Lot / Entrance Area Click to Enlarge |
The Other Projects
Early Childhood Center - Grounds
New perimeter fencing, plus improvements to the landscaping, is a component of the bond work. In addition, some of the bond funds helped pay for the new playspace, which opened for use in September 2010, but which still has some outstanding work. All the projects are expected to be completed by the end of the 2011 summer.
Elementary School - Intercom & HVAC Controls
A small but important project is the installation of an intercom system throughout the entire elementary building. The project is designed to address all possible safety and emergency needs for students and staff. In addition, new heating and cooling controls will help with energy efficiency. COMPLETED
Middle/High School - Tuckpointing
For a building that is 81 years old, it’s held up quite remarkably. But like all structures, it requires regular maintenance. The tuckpointing project was completed under budget in December 2010. COMPLETED
Middle/High School - Other Exterior Projects
There are a number of small improvements necessary at the school including replacing old windows, an old door and awning, and the crumbling entrance steps on the south side. These projects are expected to be completed by the time school starts in the fall of 2011.
Middle/High School - Track Resurfacing
The track surrounding the field in front of the school was showing wear and tear. Having resurfaced the track, the district prevented having to replace the track, a much more costly project. COMPLETED
For more information, contact MRH School District at (314) 644-4400.
