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Springfield, MO
Owner/developer: Willard Public Schools
Construction manager: J.E. Dunn Construction Co.
Architect: Paragon Architecture LLC
Engineers: Olsson Inc., civil; Toth and Associates Inc., structural; and RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 70,000 square feet
Estimated cost: $16 million
Lender: None
Estimated completion: July
Project description: A second intermediate school is underway to accommodate Willard’s growing student population. Built within city limits of Springfield, school officials say it’ll serve fifth and sixth graders on the south side of the Willard district. Project funding comes from a bond issue approved by voters in April 2017. David Atkisson, the Springfield office leader for J.E. Dunn Construction, said the school can hold up to 400 students, and it’s on track for occupancy in the fall. It’s equipped with a gymnasium, library and media center, and commons area. Lindsay Reichert, the project designer, said Paragon Architecture also handled the interior design and furniture selections.
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.