From the Ground Up: Willard Central Elementary School safe room and additions

General contractor: RE Smith Construction Co. (Joplin)
Architect: Paragon Architecture LLC
Engineers: Olsson Inc., civil; Toth and Associates Inc., structural; and RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 18,300 square feet
Cost: $8.2 million
Funding source: 2022 bond issue
Estimated completion: August
Project description: A safe room and classroom addition at Willard Central Elementary School will be used by the music, arts and athletic programs for a district that had 4,536 students last year, according to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education figures, but school officials say enrollment is projected to grow. An April 2022 bond issue, valued at $29.5 million, was approved by 72% of district voters. At Willard Central, the safe room addition is accompanied by a pre-K classroom addition and improvements to security and ventilation systems, as well as roofing and classroom renovations, according to the district’s website. The project also includes a new bus and parent drop-off entryway to access the school, upgrading school safety and eliminating traffic on public roadways. RE Smith Construction officials say the design and flow of hallways leading to the safe room and into the classroom is both seamless and colorful.