Bond 2023 Progress Update: Behind-the-Scenes Planning

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and preparation for the next phase of Northville Public Schools' Bond 2023! While it may seem quiet now, our team is hard at work with architects, engineers, and the Director of Operations to gear up for the next big construction season, starting with Ammerman Elementary this spring. From detailed designs to safety planning, every step ensures a smooth transition from plans to reality. Stay tuned for more updates!

Show Transcript

Bringing these projects to life takes a village. Our design process brings together experts from many fields, including engineers, designers, and consultants, all working alongside Northville's Director of Operations, our architects, and construction managers. It's this collaboration that ensures every detail is covered. First thing we have to do is the design and when we work with the architect and the buildings to decide what we're going to do and how we're going to do it. That takes a lot of time just sitting with meetings. And all that has to take place before we put one shovel in the ground. From schematic designs to construction documents, our team meticulously plans every step of the way, ensuring the vision matches the needs of our schools and community. There's a lot of work that goes in especially in these buildings where we're going to be doing phased projects to go through and create logistic plans, where we can start work, keep the staff and students safe while we're doing the work. There's a lot of work associated with them so we have to make sure we got a plan to do some during the school years, some during the summers, and what the best approach is. Safety and precision are top priorities. Our partners work closely with the district to design phased projects that minimize disruptions while maximizing progress. I think this is one of the more important times. Gearing up for construction is just as important as the actual construction itself. So this is when we go through all of those designs both with the schools and the community. So that we can make sure that we are servicing all your needs to the full potential and making sure we can incorporate everything that we can to help get your bond realized. With plans nearly finalized, we're getting ready to break ground on ur next big project - starting with Amerman Elementary. For me, it has a lot of ownership because I live in the district. I love the fact that I can serve where I live. And I've watched my kids go through this district and just to be able to be a part of that. The work may not always be visible, but every decision and discussion today lays the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Stay tuned as we continue to build, together. Thank you, Northville for passing the Bond 2023. Woah!

Northville Public Schools (NPS) is busy preparing for the next big phase of construction projects under Bond 2023. While the cooler fall months may seem quiet on the surface, a lot of work is happening behind the scenes to ensure that everything is ready for an active construction season in the spring.

With design meetings in full swing, project managers, architects, engineers, and the district’s Director of Operations are working together to finalize plans. Michelle Kerns, the district’s owners' representative for construction, emphasized the importance of this preparation period. “Before we put one shovel in the ground, there is a lot of design work that takes place. We collaborate with architects and various consultants to ensure the plans align with what each building needs,” she shared. The design process involves stages like schematic design, design development, and construction documents, which are carefully reviewed with school staff and community members.

The collaborative effort involves a wide range of experts, including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers, landscape designers, and environmental consultants, all of whom play a crucial role in bringing the vision of Bond 2023 to life. “It’s not just the architect and the construction manager,” Kerns noted. “There’s a whole team working together to create the final plans for each project.”

One of the major upcoming projects is the construction at Amerman Elementary, set to break ground January 2025. Meanwhile, other projects are at different stages, from finalizing bids to reviewing logistics for phased construction. “Safety is always a priority, especially with projects that take place while students and staff are on campus,” said Shawn Verlinden, CEO of AUCH Construction. “We work closely with the district to ensure that our plans minimize disruptions while keeping everyone safe.”

Anna Read, project manager with TMP Architecture, highlighted the importance of this planning time. “Gearing up for construction is just as critical as the building phase itself. This is when we make sure every detail aligns with the community’s vision,” she explained. Read also expressed her excitement about the new spaces being created, especially those designed for expanded STEAM and robotics programs, which will offer students more opportunities to explore careers in emerging fields.

As the district prepares for another busy construction season, the planning and teamwork behind the scenes are laying the groundwork for a successful transformation of Northville’s school facilities. These improvements, made possible through Bond 2023, are set to enhance the learning environment and provide state-of-the-art spaces for students and staff to enjoy for years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of Bond 2023 projects as NPS continues to build a brighter future for the community. For more details, visit the district's Bond webpage.