Apparo Academy

The Apparo Academy Addition and Renovation enhanced an educational facility for special needs children while maintaining a safe and operational environment during construction.

Project Highlight

The Apparo Academy Addition and Renovation involved the construction of a 16,000 SF addition to an occupied school dedicated to special needs children, ensuring the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff throughout the process. McKnight Construction implemented extensive safety protocols and a transparent budgeting process, crucial for the nonprofit organization’s funding requirements. This project showcased our commitment to excellence, communication, and collaboration with all stakeholders.

Challenge

The project needed to accommodate medically fragile children, requiring a heightened focus on safety, dust control, and noise management during construction. The project faced supply chain disruptions and long lead times for essential materials, threatening to delay the project timeline. As a nonprofit organization relying on fundraising to finance the Apparo Academy Addition and Renovation, there was a critical need for budget transparency and the ability to phase the project effectively to align with fluctuating funding.

Solution

McKnight implemented stringent health and safety protocols, including enhanced site containment and daily clean-up procedures, to ensure a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors at all times. McKnight coordinated closely with subcontractors to schedule utility work during off-peak hours, ensuring minimal disturbance while maintaining the facility’s operations. McKnight Construction leveraged strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, implementing proactive sourcing strategies and alternative solutions to secure materials promptly, ultimately ensuring the project remained on schedule for the school’s opening. McKnight Construction utilized a Construction Manager at Risk (CM at Risk) delivery method, allowing for early collaboration with the owner and architect to establish a phased approach that matched available funds. Regular budget meetings ensured complete transparency, with all trade bids shared openly with the nonprofit's board, fostering trust and confidence while maximizing the efficient use of resources throughout the project.

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Children Served
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"Throughout pre-construction and multiple phases of construction, the entire McKnight team stayed vigilant and guided us through our complicated project with ease."
- Jennifer Jones
Executive Director, Apparo
Performing Arts Center - Columbia County

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