Architect outlines schedule for Muhlenberg County auxiliary gym; district aims to align DFP approval by April
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Summary
Ross Horn Architects presented schematic and construction timelines for an auxiliary gym and an early‑childhood center, projecting schematic approval in February, construction bidding in May and a July 1 construction start with a 12‑month build. The board heard accessibility and circulation changes.
Chris Giffen of Ross Horn Architects told the Muhlenberg County Board of Education the district has started schematic design work for a new early‑childhood center and an auxiliary gym and is aiming to keep the projects aligned with the district facilities plan (DFP).
The presentation laid out a schedule Mr. Giffen said would have schematic design approved at the February board meeting, design development by April, construction documents in June, bidding in May and a construction start on July 1 with an anticipated 12‑month construction period. "We anticipate about a 6 month design process," Giffen said, noting the district has begun schematic work in parallel with the DFP to avoid delays.
Why it matters: aligning the DFP approval and the design timeline could allow the district to move faster from planning to construction while preserving eligibility for state facilities funding. Giffen said the DFP documentation has been submitted to the Kentucky Department of Education and that a local planning committee meeting with a KDE representative is scheduled for the coming week, with a target date of April for DFP approval.
Plans for the auxiliary gym include a new secure lobby, reconfigured classroom circulation to reduce event disruption, family and gendered restrooms, an elevator to address accessibility issues, concession and ticketing points, storage sized to hold 18 cheer mats, and a secure mechanical area to screen equipment from view. Giffen provided a seating estimate for the new gym between "225 and 250" and said the bleacher layout is being finalized with the manufacturer.
Board members asked about integration with existing facilities and mechanical access. Giffen said the design keeps access to second‑floor mechanical equipment while providing a cleaner visitor approach. The architect also described how right‑sizing the building during design development helped bring the project into an affordable square footage range.
The board did not take a construction vote at the meeting; members were briefed on the schedule and the district signaled intent to return with schematic and design development approvals in upcoming meetings.