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Architect outlines $1.7M Abrams Academy renovation plan, board to consider alternates and phased work
Summary
Crafts Worldwide Associates presented drawings and a timeline for Abrams Academy: a base bid to renovate seven classrooms, add a ramp and secure vestibule and reconfigure toilets, estimated at about $1.7 million (about $1.9M including fees/contingency); alternates and phasing were proposed to keep the project within summer-2025 construction.
Architects from Crafts Worldwide Associates presented the design and schedule for the Abrams Academy renovation at the Dec. 11 Fluvanna County Public Schools meeting and told the board they expect to put the project to bid in late January'February with a goal of completing construction over summer 2025.
"We believe that all of this is about $1,700,000 for the construction and then we have some additional costs for contingency, design fees, permitting costs to get us to $1,900,000," the architect said, outlining the base bid. The base scope includes seven classrooms reconfigured for appropriate class sizes, a new front ramp for accessibility, an improved reception area with a secure vestibule and upgrades to HVAC, lighting and technology.
The plan includes alternate bids for floor/ceiling/paint finishes and for renovating four additional classrooms; alternates would be bid so the board could decide to add them if numbers allow. Architects explained they aim to order long-lead items (HVAC, lighting, IT) early and stage contractor submittals to support a summer-only construction window so school operations won't be disrupted in the fall.
Board members asked about storage of existing furniture during construction, how the secure vestibule will function for visitors and whether toilet-room changes will create opportunities for single-occupancy restrooms keyed to classrooms. The architect said furniture procurement is not included in the construction budget and recommended the division buy furniture tax-exempt as a separate purchase.
What's next: Staff and the architect plan to return with final drawings, renderings and a budget estimate in January; the board will consider moving the project to bid depending on the final budget and available CIP funds.
Sources: Presentation and Q&A with Crafts Worldwide Associates (architect).
