Mitchell Elementary Construction Update / Informational Meeting
Mitchell Elementary School was one of three elementary schools in Ames (Edwards and Meeker being the other two) that was part of the April 2018 successful bond referendum for elementary school building additions. After reviewing current enrollment, near-term predictable enrollment, projected future enrollment, and housing development, it was determined the most urgent need for additional space is at Mitchell Elementary.
In April 2019, the school board approved architectural services by Roseland Mackey Harris Architects (RMHA) for design and construction of addition(s) and renovation at Mitchell Elementary. The scope and goals of the project are to 1) add 6 classrooms to the building, 2) improve the HVAC system to control humidity in the building, and 3) address sound challenges in the music practice area.
The design phase was completed in January 2020. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2020 and will continue for a year into the spring of 2021, with minor renovations in the existing building during summer 2021.
What can you expect:
As the construction begins, the neighborhoods surrounding Mitchell Elementary School can expect increased construction traffic in order to complete site work and underground utility relocations. The foundations will be installed this spring (2020) with concrete floor slabs, exterior walls, and roof installation this summer.
Interior work, including wall framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, followed by finishing components will take place during the fall and winter of 2020/2021. During summer 2021, there will be some minor renovations in the existing building to finalize the project.
This schedule, especially the activities this summer, will help mitigate and limit disruptions to the existing building and student learning. As with any construction project, there will be components of noise and dust, but we will continue to work with the construction crews to remind them that Mitchell Elementary is an active school.
If you have additional questions, we will be holding an informational meeting about this construction project at Mitchell Elementary later this month.
Community Informational Meeting:
When: Tuesday, March 24
Where: Mitchell Elementary School
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.