School Board Approves GOB Project Contracts for New Elementary; Renovations at Two Schools

Goals exceeded for utilization of Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Minority Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE)

Construction will begin shortly on a new elementary school, as well as on renovations of Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle and Nathan B. Young Elementary schools after the Miami-Dade School Board approved construction contracts for three General Obligation Bond (GOB) projects, valued at $32.3 million, during its regular monthly meeting.

Veitia Padron Inc. (VPI) was contracted to deliver the 59,225-square-foot, two-story elementary school, which will be located in the Venetian Parc West neighborhood of Miami. Because the new school is similar in scope and size to another school, Doral Grand Bay K-8, it is economically advantageous for the District to reuse the design. Only a minor modification will be made to modernize the prototype so it harmonizes with the surrounding Mediterranean residential development. The full project will feature kindergarten, primary and intermediate classrooms, with utilities sized to accommodate a future sixth- through eighth-grade expansion.

The $24 million project is scheduled to be completed by August 2021 and will have 750 permanent student stations.

VPI will use a total Sub-Consultant Small/Micro Business Enterprise (S/MBE) participation of 23.89 percent and Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE) participation of 12.92 percent. M/WBE subconsultants include African Americans. VPI will provide local workforce utilization of 20 percent for construction within a county-wide radius.

Nathan B. Young Elementary School was built in 1961 on a seven-acre parcel of land in Opa-locka. The school, which has constructed additions, is made up of two buildings and two portables buildings, and has a permanent capacity of 482 student stations.

Florida Lemark Corporation has been contracted to deliver a modernized face-lift to Nathan B. Young Elementary’s facilities complete with ADA-approved renovations, as well as a new playground and covered walkway. The $4.2 million GOB project is slated to be completed by July 2021.

Florida Lemark will use a total Sub-Consultant S/MBE participation of 12.73 percent and M/WBE participation of 20.29 percent. M/WBE subconsultants include African Americans. The company will provide local workforce utilization of 20 percent for construction within a seven-mile radius.

The third company, LEGO Construction Company has been commissioned as the construction manager to complete a modern makeover of Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle School. Built in 1963 on 10 acres, the school shares a border with Charles Hadley Park and N.W. 46 Street in Miami. The existing facility has had additions constructed and is currently comprised of two permanent buildings with a capacity of 1,130 student stations.

Students will enjoy a new P.E. shelter and air conditioning with the campus-wide replacement of the HVAC system components. LEGO will demolish portables and restore the outside P.E. area, as well as replace all indoor plumbing facilities, modernize safety programs and refurbish indoor accommodations. The $4.1 million project is scheduled to be completed by August 2021.

LEGO will use a total Sub-Consultant S/MBE participation of 26.68 percent and M/WBE participation of 10.06 percent. M/WBE subconsultants include African Americans.The company will provide a local workforce utilization of 20 percent for construction within a 10-mile radius.

All design and construction shall be in compliance with State Requirements for Educational Facilities, the Florida Building Code, National Fire Protection Association, Florida Fire Prevention Code (Life Safety Code), barrier-free design guidelines, Florida Statutes and M-DCPS Design Standards and District policies.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools has been expediting construction projects while schools have been closed, following all CDC guidelines and prioritizing health and safety.

In 2012, voters overwhelmingly approved the GOB to renovate, remodel and replace schools; expand student capacity; enhance safety and provide technology upgrades. To see the current projects, visit Capital Improvements at @MDCPSCapital on Twitter or use #GOBProgress.

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TOP CAPTION: Rendering of school prototype