Unlock a World of Educational Excellence with Northern Lebanon School District's Renovations
Enhanced Security at the Main Entrance
A new double capture doorway system will enhance security at the district's secondary school. Staff will be kept safe with a security door and glass-enclosed window. Visitors and students will now be greeted by a secure entry point, similar to what was seen at the elementary school. This creates a much better way to service the public and prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access.
Reist emphasized the importance of multiple layers of security. "You don't even get in the building till you've at least had a preliminary check, and then you come in the building and once you're in, you're still in a capture area." This ensures that only those who belong in the building are able to enter.
Renovated Auditorium and New Gymnasium
The renovated auditorium and new gymnasium will be impressive additions to the school. Both facilities will accommodate about 800 individuals each with fixed seating. The new gymnasium will be configured to accommodate temporary seating on either end, increasing its total capacity by several hundred.
In the auditorium, the projection and sound booth will now be on the floor, and new seats and furnishings will enhance user experiences. The walls will receive acoustic treatments to improve sound quality. All of the building, including the auditorium, will be ADA compliant, with handicapped seating in the front and back.
Major Renovations in Science Rooms
Most areas of the secondary school are undergoing major renovations due to outdated technology and classrooms. In the science rooms, for example, the school is moving away from projector technology and towards interactive televisions. This will provide a longer lifespan and less maintenance requirements while still offering a quality learning environment.
All classrooms at Northern Lebanon's secondary school will be wired for even greater internet access as part of the renovation project. This will ensure that students have access to the latest technology and can stay connected in the digital age.
Shifting Spaces for Construction
During the phasing process, classrooms are being moved around the building to allow workers to renovate those spaces. This has put some constraints on space, but the school is doing its best to keep everyone moving and ensure that construction progresses smoothly.
For example, the middle school art room is currently in a no-go area during construction. But once the construction is completed, the space will be ready for use. This shows the careful planning and coordination that is going into the renovation project.
New Facilities and Improvements
The school has a new cafeteria that has been moved from its old location. A new weight and training facility has replaced a portion of the former cafeteria, while the other half contains matted floor space for wrestling and cheerleading practices.
New seating, a sound system, speakers, acoustic enhancements, and flooring will help deliver a better experience for students and guests at the school's auditorium. These improvements will enhance the overall learning environment and provide a more comfortable space for students to learn and grow.
Completion Timeline and Educational Impact
Construction is slated to be completed in the winter of 2026. Superintendent Gary Messinger believes that the condition of the facilities plays a factor in pride and learning. "When you have loud air conditioners just blowing in, and you're trying to hear, you're trying to learn, you're being distracted by that going on and off versus just a comfortable setting that can be easily controlled and that isn't loud."
Many areas of the building are being reconfigured for better usage. Science labs will get bigger and be set up better to adapt to the times and provide an overall better educational experience for the kids. These renovations will have a lasting impact on the education of district students.
Unlock the Potential of Jordan Creek with Renewal
Project Overview
The first phase of Renew Jordan Creek, awarded to Branco Enterprises for a guaranteed maximum price of $26.8 million, is expected to be completed by late 2026. It encompasses a vast area between Main Avenue to the west and Boonville Avenue to the east, and Mill Street to the north and Water Street to the south. The project focuses on daylighting Jordan Creek, creating a naturalized open channel and integrating various amenities such as civic plaza spaces, greenway trail segments, pedestrian upgrades, green infrastructure, and a dog park.
Construction details are extensive, with the excavation of more than 38,000 cubic yards of soil. This work is set to enhance the natural beauty of the area while providing numerous recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Funding and Sources
The initial phase of Renew Jordan Creek will be funded through a diverse range of sources. ARPA grants, Environmental Services funds, ¼-cent capital improvement sales tax, and level property tax revenues will play a significant role. Additionally, the State Revolving Fund Loan program and a State Revolving Fund grant will provide crucial financial support. This multi-faceted funding approach ensures the sustainability and success of the project.
There is also an opportunity for philanthropic support in future phases, which could further enhance the project's impact and create additional public amenities.
Road Closures and Construction Impact
While local traffic and access will be maintained, major road closures are expected during the construction period. Water Street will close between Campbell and Boonville, and Boonville and Jefferson from mid-December through March 2025 for construction staging and utility work. In early 2025, Campbell between Water and Mill will close for about one year to divert Jordan Creek and reconstruct the Campbell bridge culvert.
Moving east, Boonville between Water and Mill will also close for about a year starting in late 2025 for the installation of a new box culvert and creek diversion, as well as the extension of the sanitary sewer system. The city will keep the public informed about additional road closures as scheduling information becomes available.
Preparatory Work and Utility Improvements
In preparation for Renew Jordan Creek, City Utilities is completing utility work around the project area. This includes the current closure of the intersection of Campbell and Olive Street and the closure of Water east of Boonville in the near future. Part of Mill will also be closed sometime in 2025 to align with the city's work schedule.
These utility improvements are essential for the smooth progress of the Renew Jordan Creek project and will enhance the overall functionality of the area.
Unveiling the Restoration of Jordan Creek in Springfield
Daylighting the Historic Creek
The Renew Jordan Creek project focuses on bringing back the natural light to the historic creek that has been hidden beneath a concrete culvert for years. By doing so, it not only restores the aesthetic appeal of the area but also helps in reconnecting the community with nature. This initiative is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its historical and natural heritage.
With the approval of the construction contract, the work to expose the creek is set to begin. The process involves carefully removing the concrete and restoring the natural flow and habitat of the creek. This will have a positive impact on the local ecosystem and wildlife, providing a new habitat for various species.
The Construction Contract and Guaranteed Maximum Price
The city's decision to award the construction contract to Branco Enterprises, Inc. is a significant step in the Renew Jordan Creek project. The Guaranteed Maximum Price of $26.8 million ensures that the project will be completed within the budgeted amount. This provides certainty to the city and the community regarding the financial aspects of the project.
Branco Enterprises, with its expertise in construction and environmental restoration, is well-equipped to handle the challenges of this project. The company will work closely with the city to ensure that the creek daylighting is carried out in a timely and efficient manner, while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
The Project Area and Its Significance
The phase 1 project area, located in the urbanized center of Jordan Valley Park, is of great significance. It represents a unique opportunity to revitalize a part of downtown Springfield and enhance the quality of life for its residents. The area is bordered by important streets such as Boonville Avenue, Water Street, Main Avenue, and Mill Street, making it easily accessible and visible.
Restoring the creek in this area will have a ripple effect on the surrounding neighborhood. It will improve the aesthetics of the streets, increase property values, and attract more visitors and businesses. The project is expected to become a focal point for the community, fostering a sense of pride and unity.
The Timeline and Expected Completion
The Renew Jordan Creek project is set to get underway soon, with completion of phase one targeted for late 2026. This timeline provides a clear goal for the project and allows the community to anticipate the changes that will take place. The early start of the construction work will ensure that the project progresses smoothly and is completed within the scheduled timeframe.
As the project moves forward, the city will keep the community informed about the progress through regular updates and public meetings. This will allow residents to have a say in the project and provide their feedback, ensuring that the final result meets their expectations.