Modernization Projects Overview

October-December 2019: Vestibule Security and High School Project Updates

Progress was made towards the secure vestibule project in Q2. The design of the vestibule was completed. Cost Proposals were Obtained and the job was awarded. Submittals and Shop Drawings were completed and construction has now started on this project.

Progress was also made toward The High School Project. The Educational Design Team continued to meet, a research panel was hosted, and the team continued working with the Educational Design Team on Educational Specifications for the programming.

July-September 2019: Sports Playing Areas Update

TCW Floor Planning and design is moving forward for the Parker-Gray stadium on the King Street campus of T.C. Williams High School. Facilities has reviewed CDs and moved forward with a plan to incorporate the DSUP conditions into the invitations to bid for construction. In the first quarter of this year, $7,000 in systemwide funds was spent on design services for the stadium.

The gymnasium floor at the King Street campus has also undergone several rounds of repairs due to buckling of the wood floor. Water damage from the roof, ceiling and floor had contributed to the problem. Dampers were repaired, new actuators were put in, hot water fittings replaced, enthalpy drive belt, discharge air sensors, return fans, a new enthalpy transformer, condensate piping was replaced and oversized condensate drip pans were installed. Chilled water piping has been reinsulated and RTU door caskets were replaced by the end of the fourth quarter of FY2019.

The repairs to the garage at Alexandria City High School (previously T.C. Williams) cost $61,000.

Total amount spent on modernization projects for T.C. Williams High School King Street Campus between July through September 2019: $61,000.

Total amount spent on modernization projects for T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus between July through September 2019: $4,555. This paid for painting services.

In addition, systemwide funding paid for $226,000 at the Minnie Howard campus.

These systemwide funds were spent:

• Flooring: $6,000

• Renovations: $36,000

• Operation and Maintenance: Cafeteria: $14,000

• School Nutrition Services: Cafeteria: $170,000

We are redefining the high school experience for future generations of Alexandrians to meet the future business needs of the D.C. metro region and address the challenges of growing student enrollment. On Thursday, September 26, 2019, the School Board voted to do this by expanding Alexandria City High School into a Connected High School Network and building on the Minnie Howard Campus.

Minnie Howard Campus Redevelopment Project

UPDATE: Gilbane is seeking City approval to start earlier work on Saturday morning, beginning at 7 am, through September 2022. The earlier start time is necessary for the project to allow Gilbane to conduct necessary hauling operations. If you have any concerns, please reach out to the project team at hsproject@acps.k12.va.us.

Design and Permitting Update

The project design started in March of 2021 and is being finalized by May of 2022 with the site and building permitting to continue through the summer months of 2022. The new Minnie Howard Campus was designed with a  capacity of 1,600 students to serve 9th to 12th graders, and is expected to open for the 2024-2025 school year. The Minnie Howard fields completion is planned by summer of 2025.

Construction Information

ACPS hosted a groundbreaking event in late March and construction began in April of 2022. Gilbane Building Company, the construction manager, will be leading the Minnie Howard Redevelopment project construction efforts. For Project Update Summary please check out the Project Dashboard.

During construction, the existing Minnie Howard building will continue to serve the 9th graders. The Minnie Howard fields will not be available during the construction. ACPS and RPCA will continue to collaborate on alternative fields for school and community use until new athletic fields are complete.

Total amount spent on modernization projects for Charles Barret Elementary School between July through September 2019: $215,900. For more information, please visit the Charles Barrett Facility Modernization and Maintenance webpage.

Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology Modernization Project Information

The Cora Kelly Modernization Project is part of the next step in Alexandria City Public Schools’ (ACPS) capacity modernization plan. In Summer 2019, ACPS brought in architects from Studio27 to lead a multidisciplinary team in the development of a Feasibility Study. A Feasibility Study is an assessment that identifies what is possible on the school site, the challenges on the school site and the possibilities for configuration, budget and schedule.

In Fall 2019, the first draft of the study was completed. Preliminary findings were presented to the School Board on January 23, 2020. However, the COVID-19 Pandemic put the Study on hold from January 2019 through March 2021.

On June 3, 2021, the Feasibility Study was presented to the School Board for review.

• View the Executive Summary (PDF)
• View the Cora Kelly Master Plan and Technical Data (PDF)
• View the Cora Kelly Scenarios (PDF)
• View the Summary and Conclusion (PDF)

Planning for the Cora Kelly Modernization Project is expected to continue until 2026. When planning is completed, the design phase will begin followed by construction. Anticipated occupancy is currently 2031.

Updates

Jul. 13, 2023 - Virtual Community Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting to provide an update on Douglas MacArthur construction and transition timeline.

• Presentation
• Recorded Meeting

Jun. 13, 2023 - Virtual Community Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting to provide an update on Douglas MacArthur construction and transition timeline.

• Presentation
• Recorded Meeting

Mar. 28, 2023 - Virtual Community Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting to provide an update on the Douglas MacArthur design, construction timelines, and transition logistics.

• Presentation
• Recorded Meeting

Dec. 12, 2022 - Virtual Community Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting to provide an update on the Douglas MacArthur design, construction timelines, and transition logistics.

• Presentation
• Recorded Meeting

Please send your feedback to Arte’a Funderburk, CIP communications specialist, at artea.funderburk@acps.k12.va.us.

George Mason Modernization Project Information

The George Mason Modernization Project is part of the next step in Alexandria City Public Schools’ (ACPS) capacity modernization plan. In Summer 2019, ACPS brought in architects from Studio27 to lead a multidisciplinary team in the development of a Feasibility Study. A Feasibility Study is an assessment that identifies what is possible on the school site, the challenges on the school site, and the possibilities for configuration, budget, and schedule.

In Fall 2019, the first draft of the study was completed. Preliminary findings were presented to the School Board on Jan. 23, 2020. However, the COVID-19 Pandemic put the Study on hold from January 2019 through March 2021.

On June 3, 2021, the Feasibility Study was presented to the School Board for review.

• Executive Summary (PDF)
• George Mason Master Plan and Technical Data (PDF)
• George Mason Scenarios (PDF)
• Summary and Conclusion (PDF)

Planning for the George Mason Modernization Project is expected to continue until 2023. When planning is completed, the design phase will begin, followed by construction. Anticipated occupancy is currently Fall 2027.

Project Updates

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning and Design provided a brief project overview to the George Mason PTA on Jun. 5, 2023- Presentation Slides

The Office of Educational Facilities hosted a virtual community meeting on Thursday, October 27, 2022, to provide a brief overview to the community on the improvements to the athletic fields at George Washington Middle School. The design phase is ongoing, with construction anticipated to begin in Fall 2023.

The Office of Educational Facilities hosted a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, to provide a brief overview of the improvements to the Lyles Crouch outdoor learning and play space. The design phase is ongoing. The Educational Facilities team will host another meeting in early 2023 to garner more community feedback and review design concepts.

In mid-August, Keller Brothers began their site mobilization efforts. Significant progress has been made in the removal of asbestos-containing materials. Perimeter fencing is in place, and a portion of the erosion and sediment controls have been installed. The team is actively working to secure disconnection letters from all existing utility companies. Once the abatement and utility disconnections are finalized, the demolition of the old structure will commence.

To keep the general public informed about the upcoming demolition and site improvements, a virtual community meeting was held on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, at 6:30 pm.

• Presentation