West HS/ Romig MS IMC Wing Renovation & Addition

DESCRIPTION

On the morning of Sunday, January 23, 2016, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Alaska, damaging several buildings. Upon further inspection, school officials found cracks in the library shared by Alaska School District (ASD)’s West Anchorage High School and Romig Middle School. The library was deemed hazardous until further notice. A survey was performed to discover the extent of the damage, and the Integrated Media Center (IMC), or library suffered​ severe structural damage and needed correction as soon as possible. Cornerstone General Contractors (Cornerstone) was selected for this project to renovate the existing library, adjacent classrooms, and administration and counseling center. Concrete foundations were installed to augment the existing library to keep the structural integrity in the event of another large earthquake. Project scope also included the renovation of computer labs, hallways, lockers, and mechanical rooms.

This project exemplified the success of acting swiftly to fix a dangerous situation in the public-school system. Working within an occupied facility has its challenges but operating a precision renovation project between two operating schools is another challenge in itself. During this fast-paced project, Cornerstone developed a phasing-plan to create minimal disruption to the three thousand students, faculty, staff, and parents. Beginning in the summer of 2016, Cornerstone quickly relocated administration and counseling offices while the users were out on summer vacation. Once offices were renovated, the Principal and staff quickly occupied the space, and then marked the beginning of the library renovation in conjunction with the start of the school year. Cornerstone closely collaborated with the owners, designers, and students to make this project a success.

This project won the 2018 AGC & Parker, Smith & Feek’s Excellence in Construction Award for Meeting a Challenge of a Job Between $5 Million and $15 Million, Vertical Construction.