School Transformation Highlights Creative Solutions
Richmond Pre-K Center at Tompkins Avenue
Despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, a former supermarket on Staten Island was successfully transformed into a preschool education center in just 123 days. Gannett Fleming provided construction management for the $20 million project, working hand-in-hand with the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) to open the new Richmond Pre-K Center at Tompkins Avenue for the 2020-21 school year.
Gordon Tung, PE, vice president, construction management for NYCSCA, praised the successful delivery. “Through effective, proactive management that included the deployment of aggressive scheduling techniques, Gannett Fleming effectively completed the project in less than two-thirds of the time allotted.”
The extraordinary effort was honored by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Metro New York/New Jersey Chapter as the 2020 Project of the Year Runner-Up for projects valued at less than $25 million.
Exceptional Teamwork
“By communicating quickly and efficiently with NYCSCA and asking the right questions, the team kept the work moving forward and saved the client money by making use of previously purchased, idle equipment,” noted Sharon Berger, CCM, ENV SP, vice president and program manager. “With a great team, Gannett Fleming was able to maintain a harmonious environment where all parties worked together to deliver excellence.”
The new school features 15 classrooms, 19 restrooms, exercise rooms, an outdoor playground, a warming pantry/kitchen, a parent/teacher room, a principal’s and main office, a staff room, utility and storage rooms, and a private parking lot. The maximum occupancy of the 31,200-square-foot space is 866 people, including students, staff, and teachers.
Because of the pandemic, the project team faced numerous manufacturer shutdowns, which delayed the delivery of construction materials and equipment to the site. By identifying effective alternatives, the team continually advanced the project, while making certain the school was built in accordance with NYCSCA’s design specifications, contract requirements, and national and local codes. Gannett Fleming performed the work as part of our contract under NYCSCA’s Emergency Response Program.
The CMAA NY/NJ awards program recognizes outstanding achievement in the practice of construction management, promoting professionalism, and excellence in the management of the construction process.