McCarthy Building Companies recently began construction on a phase I project to replace classroom buildings at Greenway and Thunderbird high schools in the Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD). The $14.6M contract funds demolition and new construction on both campuses.
These projects were the result of an $80M bond election that was passed by voters in 2011. Funds from the bond are being used for renovations and repair of existing school buildings, new construction and supplying school buildings with furniture, equipment and technology.
McCarthy Building Companies began work on both campuses in March and demolished old buildings prior to starting construction on the new, 2-story classroom buildings, which are being built using concrete tilt-wall construction. This construction method enables both projects to be fast-tracked for completion.
“Our Education Services team really shines when we’re able to put our unique scheduling expertise to the test,” said Justin Kelton, vice president of operations for the Education Services at McCarthy Building Companies. “Our crews will be working two eight-hour shifts all summer long in order to complete these buildings prior to the start of school in August.”
Neil Rogers, administrator of facilities for GUHSD, added, “McCarthy is changing the way schools are built in Arizona. Their ability to self-perform and complete projects in half the time utilizing two shifts without sacrificing safety, quality or budget gives our District a tremendous amount of flexibility that allows us to concentrate on the students, staff and the community.”
The Greenway High School building (above), 3930 W. Greenway Rd. in Phoenix, represents 42,000 SF of general classroom space. The Thunderbird High School building, 1750 W. Thunderbird Rd. in Phoenix, totals 60,000 SF of general classroom space as well as science labs and rooms for special education programs.
“In order to promote healthier, safer campuses, older buildings at Greenway High and Thunderbird High have been torn down to make way for modern classrooms, which will be open to our students this fall,” said Kim Mesquita, administrator of community relations for GUHSD.
“The bulk of the construction is occurring over the summer when class is not in session. The safety and education of our students are our top priorities.”
Orcutt | Winslow is the architect on both projects. Major subcontractors include JFK Electric, Baker Concrete and Schuff Steel. McCarthy Mechanical is working on the Greenway High project and Midstate Mechanical is working on the Thunderbird High project.
