Board approves design‑development for Faulkner Ridge Early Learning Center, moves project to construction documents

The Howard County Board of Education on Feb. 27 approved the design‑development (DD) submission for the Faulkner Ridge Early Learning Center and authorized the project team to proceed to the construction‑document phase.

Andrew Jinx, school construction manager, and Ryan Beneman of GWWO architects presented the DD package. The project will repurpose the former Faulkner Ridge Elementary building, build small mechanical and security additions, provide new windows, accessibility improvements and modern mechanical systems, and create dedicated pre‑K classrooms with adjacent outdoor play areas. An optional alternate would add a Head Start suite of three classrooms.

Beneman said the DD cost estimate from the construction manager, Oak, showed the project slightly over the SD budget by less than $1 million; the team said they expect to refine design and value engineering during CDs to bring the project within budget. Hazardous‑materials abatement and early demolition work was scheduled to start the day after the meeting.

Board members asked about site circulation, drop‑off and the ability to add the Head Start space later if needed. The project team said the design can be phased so the Head Start component can be constructed later without reworking the primary building circulation. Trustees also asked that the Head Start entrance and its vestibule be reviewed for secure access; staff agreed to evaluate the vestibule arrangement.

Votes and next steps The board approved the DD…