Hedrick Brothers Construction has reached substantial completion for the $25 million modernization and restoration of Northboro Elementary School in West Palm Beach on schedule and within budget for the School District. This United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED registered project is anticipating silver certification underneath LEED for Schools, and is the first registered “green” school in this category for the School District.
“Hedrick Brothers Construction was pleased to have been selected for this “green” building project. Sustainable construction rewards businesses with a healthier workspace, energy efficiency, minimal environmental impact and cost savings, and as a company we believe everything built today benefits our life and world tomorrow. We commend the School District of Palm Beach County for their vision in educating these students who are our future,” said Dale Hedrick, President, Hedrick Brothers Construction.
The modernization project began in June 2008 with the demolition of the existing administrative/classroom building and the cafeteria building. The existing media/classroom has been renovated to current standards. New buildings include a 27,600 SF administrative/cafeteria building and a 60,000 SF two-story building with 42 classrooms. The existing butterfly garden/park has been re-located on campus. The new parking areas have 133 spaces. The school currently accommodates 713 students, with a capacity that allows for a future enrollment of 952.
“The opening of our newly modernized school has been a tremendous academic asset to the boys and girls of Northboro. The modernization has enhanced our delivery of instruction through advanced technology. Additionally, the various LEED aspects and green initiatives will empower our students with the conceptual understanding of how their actions and accepted responsibilities can positively impact their communities and our Earth,” said Moneek Scott-McTier, Ed.D, Principal, Northboro Elementary School. “We are also excited about the preservation of various elements of our campus. These unique features will teach students to acknowledge the strengths of the past and how history can build the future. This is a well deserved opportunity for this community and every boy and girl that attends or will attend Northboro Elementary Montessori Magnet School. I believe Hedrick Brothers Construction Company and BRPH Architect Firm have done an amazing job. Their collaboration has provided us with a beautiful LEED Certified facility that embodies the modern amenities of a 21st century school, but eloquently pays homage to the historic features and character of our previous campus. Our new school motto of Preserving the Past, Celebrating the Present and Building the Future will be displayed throughout our campus,”
Some of the LEED aspects incorporated into Northboro Elementary School include:
- Glass floor tile, made from recycled glass, in both the cafeteria and media center.
- All of the interior doors are “FSC wood” meaning the material comes from sustainably harvested forests. These forests are managed and replenished for a continuous production of material, rather than destroying virgin forests and leaving behind vacant land.
- All of the bathrooms conserve water through dual flush toilets, waterless urinals and flow restriction faucets.
- There are two 25,000 gallon cisterns underground used to collect rain water for irrigation.
- The landscaping on campus consists of native species which require less watering.
- The HVAC /ventilation system consists of outdoor air intake to help circulate fresh air into the building. This helps reduce “sick building syndrome” by providing a constant flow of air circulation.
- The parking lot promotes the use of fuel efficient and hybrid cars, along with carpooling by providing preferred parking spaces.
- A touch screen is to be installed at the mechanical room of a classroom building to facilitate the students understanding of how energy is used in the buildings.
- The stair coverings in a classroom building are made out of recycled tires.
- The original 1927 brick has been salvaged and reused throughout the buildings.
- The concrete paving and light colored roofing (high SRI) material help reduce heat absorption.
- The classrooms have occupancy sensors for the lights and air-conditioning which turn off when the room is not occupied, and low e-glazing on the windows that reduce energy costs.
- Artificial turf – made of recycled rubber material – has been used in the courtyard to reduce maintenance costs.
- The PE shelter utilizes skylights for natural lighting, which help reduce energy costs.
- Over 75% of construction waste has been diverted from landfills and sent to recycling facilities.
- Retention ponds on site hold rainwater runoff in order to minimize impact to the surrounding areas.