In the spring of 2005, EDiS completed construction of the new Indian River High School project. This project along with the new Sussex Central High School was the first new high school projects for the Indian River School District in 70 years. The projects, when first designed and bid as General Construction projects came in 50% over the school district’s budget.

When hired as the district’s construction manager, EDiS was given the task of reducing the cost of both projects by $25 million without significant disruption to the design program. In collaboration with the owner and the architect, Becker Morgan Group, EDiS reduced the cost by selective value engineering. The proof however, was to re-bid the project.

The Indian River High School was rebid using Agent Construction Management with multiple bid pacs including multiple prime contracts. The first bid pac, which included sitework and concrete, was issued for bid in early August of 2002. The bids were received, the scopes were confirmed and construction began in September 2002. After construction started, the remaining bid pacs were developed and issued for bid. The final bid package was bid in November of 2003. Once the bids were received for the last bid pac, the project budget was confirmed. The 50% overrun had been eliminated and both high schools were on budget.

The new state of the art high school located just south of Dagsboro, Del. was ready for students and teachers for the 2005-2006 school year. It is a two-story facility serving grades 9-12 with a new administration area, auditorium, gymnasium, classrooms and media center. Entering the building, you are greeted with wide and bright hallways adjacent to a welcoming administration area. Just down the hall is the new gymnasium, sporting the school colors of green and yellow. To the right of the gymnasium is the auditorium capable of seating 550 people. Once seated, you are amazed with the latest in lighting and sound systems.

The building also includes the latest in classroom technology along with traditional studies in art and science with top of theline classrooms. To maintain a comfortable environment, the engineering group designed a mechanical system, which utilizes an ice storage system to lower utility cost for the district. Although a higher front end cost, this system will prove to be very cost effective in the years to come.

The project site has created an athletic facility second to none. The football stadium includes lighting, bleachers for both visitors and home, along with a running track surrounding the field. The large site was essential to also include soccer, field hockey, baseball and softball fields. 

Although the weather delays affected the original completion date, the hard work of the Owner, Construction Manager, Architect and Contractors, the new Indian River High School is a project is worthy of the accolades it has received. It also sends a message of Indian River School District’s commitment to educational excellence.

MANUFACTURERS/SUPPLIERS
DIV 04: Brick: Watsontown.
DIV 07: Membrane: Firestone.
DIV 08: Aluminum Storefronts: YKK AP America; Windows: Traco; Glass: PPG; Hollow Metal Doors: Amweld; Wood Doors: Graham; Hardware: Yale, Sargent.
DIV 09: VCT: Armstrong; Carpet: Mohawk.