Architect, contractor propose five phases for Bob Jones reno

(RECORD PHOTO/JOHN ALLEN)

MADISON – Proposed renovations of Bob Jones High School would improve pedestrian traffic, add classrooms and update infrastructure at a price tag of $36 million, if all five phases were completed.

At its July 27 meeting, Madison Board of Education heard a preliminary presentation from Frank Nola Jr. with Nola|Van Peursem Architects and Kevin Gunnison with Volkert Inc.

Phase 1 would renovate the upper floor with a “welcome center” concept for the entrance and reconfigured administrative and counseling offices. The media center would have extensive upgrades to accommodate electronic media.

One of the most sweeping changes, an alternate circulation or wide concourse would connect the main building through the courtyard to the cafeteria area. “Phase 1 will address the central core area and improve security at the entrance,” Nola said.

Phase I includes 43,000 square feet in renovations and 8,000 square feet in additions. Construction would require placement up to 30 mobile classrooms or a “learning village.”

Phase 1’s cost would be $10,850,000, which includes $400,000 for portables and $1 million for infrastructure improvements, including sprinkler systems. Phase 1’s proposed start date is June 1, 2014 and would require 12 months of work.

Phase II would reconfigure the north wing as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy and “completely rebuild science labs … and keep them in business” during construction, Nola said. Renovations cover 37,000 square feet at $2,775,000 and $150,000 for portables, again requiring about 12 months.

Phase III, a “summer project” during three months, would remodel north and south classroom wings and improve special-needs facilities. The price tag is $5,430,000.

Phase IV reconfigures the auditorium from 1,200 to 800 seats with an open “breakout” lobby area for $4,053,000.

Phase V, which Nola called “an audacious expansion,” would add a coliseum-style competition gym, field house and career technology wing. The practice gym would become high-bay areas for visual arts and ROTC. Phase V would require $12,590,000.

The board of education will study and debate the proposal in upcoming months.