The challenge
Shortly after a $16 million bond passed, Cassopolis Public Schools (CPS) sought to undergo a major facility renovation stipulated by the bond.
Due to requirements attached to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, the project had to be completed within a three-year time frame. The district needed an experienced project management firm that could integrate with its existing staff and vendors.
The solution
CPS engaged Plante Moran Realpoint (PMR), formerly Plante Moran Cresa, to be an independent advocate through the design and construction process of the project, which covered 95,248 square feet of space.
After meeting with the architect and the construction manager, PMR was able to identify and formulate a comprehensive single-phase construction strategy that reduced the project duration from an anticipated multi-phase, three-year schedule to 18 months. Additionally, PMR worked with the district to temporarily relocate existing students satisfactorily within other school buildings in the district to allow for the single-phase construction effort.
The benefit
By reducing the project schedule from 36 months to 18 months, PMR saved the district roughly $800,000. CPS was able to invest these savings into new technology for the renovated and expanded building.
