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Board reviews $3.5M Cabell Midland cafeteria and STEAM addition; SBA grant covers $1M
Summary
Architects presented plans to add more than 175 cafeteria seats and a STEAM lab at Cabell Midland, outlining a $3.5 million project budget with $1 million from the School Building Authority, alternates of about $360,000, and a schedule targeting bids early next year and construction over summer with hoped completion by Christmas break.
Cabell County Schools trustees on Wednesday received architectural plans for an addition to Cabell Midland High School that would expand the cafeteria and add a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) instructional space.
Phoebe Randolph of Edward Tucker Architects described the base scope as an addition focused on increased dining capacity and a STEAM lab, plus minimal renovations to the existing cafeteria and AV/lighting upgrades. "We think we can accomplish with this addition is in excess of 175 additional seats for the dining area," Randolph said, and emphasized flexible furnishings that also support after‑school clubs and assemblies.
Randolph outlined a preliminary budget of $3.5 million for the full project, with $1,000,000 allocated from the School Building Authority. She said the team has identified alternates (optional enhancements) estimated at about $360,000 that could be added depending on bids. The proposed schedule calls for finishing bid documents by the end of the year, bidding in early next year, and a target contract award in February so contractors can mobilize in May; the team hopes to minimize disruption during the school year and achieve substantial completion around the winter break.
Board members praised the project as addressing capacity issues: the school currently enrolls about 1,757 students and the existing cafeteria seats just over 500, the architect said. The district noted some construction will extend into the school year because the scope cannot be completed entirely over a single summer.
Why it matters: The addition aims to reduce overcrowding during lunch periods, create a dedicated STEAM instruction area and provide flexible space for student activities. Federal/state funding via the School Building Authority (SBA) lowers the district share but alternates and bids will determine final scope.
What’s next: Administration said it will continue cost‑estimating and bring bid documents and funding recommendations back to the board as procurement progresses.
