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Board approves extra design work to add sprinklers and new alarms at Hopewell Elementary
Summary
Cope Architects will expand its scope to design a new fire alarm and sprinkler system for Hopewell Elementary’s existing building, funded from savings within the project so no budget increase is requested; the board approved the change by roll call.
The Bradley County Board of Education approved a scope change for Cope Architects to design a new fire alarm system and a fire sprinkler system for the existing portions of Hopewell Elementary.
Corbett Drew told the board that Cope finalized phase 1 plans and found the existing alarm system was antiquated and not expandable to tie into new construction. He said the design team discovered that installing sprinklers and a new alarm system offered better safety and construction savings compared with building a fire separation wall. Staff said they located savings in phases 1 and 2 sufficient to cover the design and construction work so the project budget will not require an increase.
A Cope representative explained that egress issues and an inability to source parts for the existing alarm made expansion impractical and that adding sprinklers created a safer, simpler outcome for the school. Board members asked about coordination with technology and safety staff; staff confirmed biweekly coordination meetings and engagement with the district’s tech and safety teams.
The board made and seconded a motion to approve the additional design services; roll call was taken and the board approved the change.
