Case Studies in
IMS' Award-Winning
Mobile & Relocatable Modular Buildings

Charter Elementary School

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Challenge:
Aging public schools would require $80 million for the renovation and modernization of facilities at nine school sites. The district’s goal was to complete all school building construction without disruption to the education process. Existing education facilities were at or above capacity. There was no additional temporary swing space in the district to move students while construction was taking place. The district’s architect and construction manager worked to determine the best solution for students and staff. A plan was proposed that would allow work to continue on a year round basis at all sites for periods of 6 to 24 months each. A “trailer park” appearance was not desirable and security was a concern.

Alternatives Reviewed:

1. Renovate all buildings during the summer months only — not feasible as the cost of the project would increase due to inflation, multiple bids and construction mobilizations. “Traditional” summer construction programs could take as long as 8 years (3 months at a time) to complete.
2. Occupy available space in other buildings in town - not feasible due to lack of available space.
3. Install 5 to 24 portable Classroom buildings per site — not feasible due to limited space on school grounds and 30 - 40% increases in temporary construction costs to connect site utilities and technology.
4. Install multiple 4 to 10 Classroom, temporary modular complexes per site — the Innovative Modular Solution.

Solution:
Public bids were solicited and the District contracted with Innovative Modular Solutions to provide Classrooms, labs, locker and office space with 10 to 24 Classrooms per site. The 100,000 square foot modular construction project was completed over the summer. Students occupied the building in time for the Fall semester.

• Renovation of all the schools will occur without disruption to the education process.
• Students will remain on campus during construction and have access to all facilities (gymnasium, library, cafeteria, etc.). Only 4 to 6 Classroom entrances (vs. 10 to 24 needed for portables) must be secured per site.
• Two or three “school quality”, energy efficient modular buildings were installed at each school.
• All modular buildings will be occupied until construction is complete. Each will be disassembled and returned to Innovative Modular Solutions at the end of the construction program.