Preliminary drawing of proposed improvements.
In order to improve safety for students on the campus of one of the largest K-8 schools in the state of Montana, the Hellgate School District sought to implement a Facility Enhancement Plan. With a combined engineering and planning effort, WGM Group and Building Solutions collaborated with key stakeholder groups, such as teachers, neighbors and the Hellgate Transportation Company to complete an intensive design process that ultimately adopted a Preferred Alternative, which meets the goals and objectives identified by the design team, the Board of Trustees and the School District Superintendent.
By re-routing traffic around the exterior of the campus, the school buildings were able to expand to provide new classroom space and improve the scholastic environment. The Facility Enhancement Plan can accommodate the existing 1,200 students, plus a projected additional 200 more.
WGM Group also worked with the Hellgate School District with a series of public meetings to inform voters of the bond election. These public meetings led to a successful bond election campaign approved by voters in September 2007.
Construction of the campus improvements began in May 2008 and involved a strict schedule and detailed phasing plan to coordinate construction progress with the school’s schedule. Safety of students and faculty during construction was a top priority. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late 2009 or early 2010.
