Tuscaloosa City School District
Additional Info
Award Winner : M Space Holdings LLC
Architectural Excellence : The Tuscaloosa City School District was in dire need of space to accommodate students from three of their schools that were damaged by the tornados that tore through the Southeast in April 2011. The school district relocated the students from the damaged schools to Alberta Elementary, which was unharmed by the tornado. However, in order to accommodate everyone for the 2011-2012 school year they needed additional classroom and restroom space. Working with a short time frame, M Space provided a new classroom building in less than 60 days.
The final product was a 6,060 sq. ft. six classroom facility with connecting restrooms. The exterior of the building is hi rib steel and the color was selected to coordinate with the existing elementary school, providing a cohesive look and feel. The interior walls of the building are vinyl covered gypsum wallboards, the floors are block tile and the ceiling consists of sheetrock with a knock down texture.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : M Space recognizes the importance of incorporating ‘green’ building practices into as many aspects of the construction process as possible. In this case, an upgraded insulation package and energy efficient windows were installed, helping the building to maintain its temperature and reducing air conditioning and heating consumption. In addition, the buildings were designed with future use in mind; the facilities can be easily relocated for reuse. These ‘green’ and energy efficient building methods are both environmentally friendly and cost effective.
Because construction took place during summer break and completed in time for the 2011-2012 school year, the district avoided having to send students to other school districts, which would have been costly and inconvenient for students, staff and parents. By choosing M Space, the Tuscaloosa City School District was able to quickly fulfill space needs without having to rely on other organizations outside the district.
Occupied Date : 8/1/2011
Production Start Date : 6/22/2011
Project Location City : Tuscaloosa
Project Location State Name : AL
Technical Innovation : There was a large hill at the Alberta Elementary School site that needed to be leveled before site preparation could begin. M Space worked to get the land flattened as quickly as possible and site preparation underway. As soon as the site was leveled and site preparation was complete the units were delivered. The buildings not only arrived on time, but ahead of schedule!
During the design phase, M Space kept in mind that the buildings provided to Tuscaloosa City Schools were meant to serve as temporary space while the damaged schools were rebuilt and/or repaired. M Space engineered the buildings to meet the code for several neighboring states, allowing more flexibility when leasing the buildings to the next customer.
Total Square Feet : 6060