McCarthy Building Companies was recently awarded a preconstruction services contract by the Litchfield Elementary School District (LESD) for the estimated $12 million Verrado Heritage Elementary School, located just west of Verrado Way and north of Thomas Road in Buckeye, Ariz.

McCarthy will begin work on the new 80,500-square-foot K-8 school in August. The school will include two classroom buildings connected by a bridge to a gymnasium/cafeteria/media center and an administration building. The eight-acre greenfield site will also include sport fields and will utilize energy-efficient materials and systems. The land for the two-story school building was donated by Verrado developer DMB Associates Inc.

“Our Education Services team really shines when we’re able to work with a community that values quality construction and energy efficiency,” said Justin Dent, project director for McCarthy Building Companies. “This new K-8 campus for the Litchfield Elementary School District will be a school that the community of Verrado is proud to host and students are proud to attend.”

Orcutt/Winslow is the architect on the project. Major subcontractors will be selected in the coming months. The project is slated for completion in mid-July 2015 in time to open for the 2015/2016 school year.