Challenges Design-Build Project Delivery Addressed

The owner chose design-build project delivery to mitigate anticipated phasing, occupational and site utilization challenges by engaging the general contractor early in the process.

Summary

The See Forever Foundation creates learning communities in under-served urban areas where all students, particularly those who have not succeeded in traditional schools, can strive for academic excellence. Forrester Construction managed the design phase, provided value engineering services and renovated an existing facility to create the Maya Angelou Learning Center. This multi-phased project involved modernizing 115,000-square-foot in the existing Bruce Evans School. Originally constructed in the early 1960s, the building was formerly a District of Columbia Public School and is now being leased from the city by the See Forever Foundation. The completed project houses Maya Angelou Learning Center’s high school program and their Young Adult Learning Center. This LEED Certified facility features new and remodeled classrooms, upgraded science labs, multiple computer labs, a flexible workshop, an improved library, administrative and counselors’ offices, a health suite, a renovated cafeteria and improved common areas.

Design-Build Team

Client/Owner: See Forever Foundation Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools
Design-Builder: Forrester Construction Company
General Contractor: Forrester Construction Company
Architect: Studio 27 Architecture
Engineers: Ehlert Bryan, Christopher Consultants Ltd.
Other Key Professionals: Metropolitan Consulting Engineers, Jair Lynch Company, Forrester Construction Company, See Forever Foundation
Duration of Construction: 12 months
Project Cost: Phase 1 $4,720,531 , Phase 2 $6,810,899