Architects: C.C. middle school could be ready by August 2015

CHARLES CITY Architects for the new middle school to be built as an addition to the existing high school are proposing that construction begin in June 2014, and that the building be ready to occupy by August 2015.

Representatives form BLDD Architects of Davenport, the firm the school board hired to design the new middle school, were at Mondays School Board meeting give a report on the $17.6 million project.

BLDD representative Sam Johnson said the schematic design phase is already under way.

September through October will be the design development phase, which will involve more detailed plans.

Construction documents are to be prepared from November through February, with bidding on the project to take place in March or April.

Johnson said BLDD representatives have been speaking to staff, parents and students to get their ideas for the new middle school.

He said they want it to be a magnet school that will attract people to the community.

The idea is to design the school so students can learn the skills they need in the modern world, such as STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) skills, critical thinking skills, people skills, technology skills and media literacy, according to Johnson.

The building design will be flexible, allowing for both small-group and large-group learning, he said.

It also will be built to allow for more connection with industry and to establish the school as a community center with increased public access, according to Johnson.

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Architects: C.C. middle school could be ready by August 2015