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The charter school business could be described as risky since much-needed
State funding depends solely upon student enrollment. If the school is
not complete and open in time for the semester, students are forced to
enroll elsewhere and, hence, all funding disappears. Luckily, when Challenge
Charter School realized their out-of-state design/build firm was unable
to construct their 450-student elementary school campus, they turned to
Modular Technology. With only six months until fall semester, we undertook
the enormous task of managing every aspect of this project’s construction,
from design and permits, to installation and landscaping—all from
scratch.
In order to meet the community’s strict design standards, we created
a campus that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The classrooms,
cafeteria, transportation office, nurse’s station, bus verandah,
administrative offices, and multi-purpose space all feature varying pitched
roof profiles to create visual interest. Walkways are shaded from the
desert sun and provide maximum efficiency for traversing the campus. Signage
and landscaping are handsome, while all utility systems are carefully
screened from public view. Crowned by durable concrete roof tile, this
signature look also incorporates canopied entryways, detailed columns,
and accent trims.
Excitement grew when the buildings were complete and ready for delivery.
That very same day, a severe monsoon storm literally washed away the only
road available for transport. With the clock ticking, we contacted the
Department of Transportation and Arizona Public Service. Due to the 20-foot
building heights, an alternate route was unavailable. The only solution
was to construct our own two-mile road around the blockade. After doing
so, we scheduled a “midnight run” and, as the buildings cruised
down the wrong side of the road to avoid traffic, officials moved power
lines and traffic lights out of the way. Needless to say, the buildings
made it to the site safely and the school was ready to greet its incoming
fall class.
School project links:
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