Beneath the Hard Hat
C.D. Smith Company Blog

Kohler School District: Case Study in Modern Education Facility Project Management

Date: Oct 31, 2024 11:00:35 AM | Author: Molly Haack

A Vision for Modern Education

As we look to the future of education, facilities must continuously adapt and evolve to address student needs and support success. Kohler School District's recent renovation project created modern learning spaces while prioritizing community engagement. Superintendent Lisa Green shared her insights on the project journey, highlighting the importance of effective project management and community involvement throughout the process. 
 
View from the balcony of the newly completed Kohler School District library, showcasing students and community members engaged in reading and studying in a modern, inviting space.
 

Expert Guidance From a Trusted Building Advisor

"We felt that we were in the best and most capable hands partnering with C.D. Smith Construction as our construction manager. They were very supportive throughout the project and provided ample communication every step of the way.” 
-Lisa Greene, Superintendent of the Kohler School District
 
A student ascending the stairs from the lower level of the Kohler School District library addition to the second level, highlighting the library's open design and accessibility.
 
The renovation project was Lisa’s first experience with a referendum, facility study, preconstruction, and build for a school district, sharing “C.D. Smith’s project managers guided our team through clear communication, insightful recommendations, and active participation in community sessions and beyond.” 
 
Outdoor courtyard area adjacent to the Kohler School District library, featuring individuals reading and enjoying the fresh air in a beautifully landscaped space designed for community engagement.
 
The facility is unique, particularly because the library serves both the school and the community. “Despite remaining open throughout the construction, I was confident that our students and community members were safe as they navigated the well-maintained and secure active site,” Lisa commented.
 

On Time. On Budget.

Elementary students actively participating in hands-on learning activities within a modern STEAM classroom at Kohler School District, equipped with innovative tools and resources for creative exploration.

“During the preconstruction phase, C.D. Smith offered value engineering options to help us stay within budget. They offered expert advice on materials, mechanical systems, and the overall configuration of the renovation.
 
Knowing that C.D. Smith has extensive experience with K-12 and educational construction in Wisconsin, I trusted their leadership and expertise. The completed project is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and the faculty, students, and community are delighted with the result. Much of the work was carried out during school hours with minimal disruption to education and traffic. The project was completed on time and budget.”
-Lisa Greene, Superintendent, Kohler School District
 

Lasting Impacts from Project Success

Students comfortably reading and collaborating in the common areas of the Kohler School District library, illustrating a vibrant atmosphere that fosters learning and community interaction.

With the successful completion of its extensive district-wide facility improvement project, Kohler School District provides enhanced educational experiences that meet the needs of today’s learners. This journey highlights how effective project management leads to successful outcomes and strengthens community connections. To get the latest news and learn more about similar K-12 EDUCATION PROJECTS go to cdsmith.com/education.

###

Date: Spring 2024 | Author: Molly Haack

«•»

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

C.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on FacebookC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on LinkedInC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on InstagramWebsite - Twitter - Icon-01C.D. Smith YouTube Videos Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Skilled Trades

Contact Us Get in Touch


«•» 

Kohler School District | BUILDING PROJECTS and NEWS


Bray Architects > Portfolio > Kohler School District | brayarch.com | 2024

Building Addition for New School/Public Library Renovation

The project's centerpiece was a building addition and improvements to the shared public/school library. This unique facility serves the school and the community and required careful design to maintain security while providing accessibility. It included:

  • Public library with secure entry and access points to the school
  • Community meeting space
  • Three new classrooms
  • Flexible study areas
  • Dedicated parking

STEAM Facilities

The renovation included updates to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) spaces, including:

  • Technical education and engineering labs
  • Photography/video studio
  • Robotics
  • Fabrication lab
  • Middle school science
  • Elementary STEAM lab
  • STEAM commons flexible collaborative environment

Outdoor Athletic Enhancements

Ebben Field received significant upgrades, including:

  • 750-seat bleachers for the football stadium
  • New sound system
  • Partial turf varsity baseball field with seating
  • Four tennis courts
  • Fan plaza with ticketing, concessions, restrooms, and team facilities
  • Two parking lots providing about 250 spots

Project Management

C.D. Smith Construction partnered with the district and Bray Architects as construction manager. The project was completed within budget and on time, completed in fall 2023.


March 13th Ceremony Celebrates Official Opening of New School and Public Library in Kohler, Wisconsin | Beneath the Hard Hat® Press & Blog 03.17.2023

Ribbon-cutting participants in Kohler Public Library at dedication ceremony in Wisconsin

Kohler School District - The Solution | kohlerpublicschools.org | Project Overview

The Kohler School District's renovation and expansion project stemmed from two successful referenda passed on April 6, 2021:

QUESTION #1  |  not to exceed $17,550,000

  • Add a new public/school library with dedicated parking for public library users;
  • update/add Career and Technical Education (shop) areas and classrooms;
  • improve student drop-off/pick-up and expand parking;
  • add air conditioning;
  • and enhance  Ebben Field/outdoor athletic facilities (Phase 1).

QUESTION #2  |  not to exceed $2,590,000

  • Enhance Ebben Field/outdoor athletic facilities (Phase 2) by adding lit tennis courts, additional parking, bleachers, bathrooms, and a stadium Soundsystem.

The total approved amount from both referenda was $20,140,000. The project included:

  • 17,448 square feet of additions
  • 24,348 square feet of renovations 

Learn more about Kohler School District's two $20 million referendums on the April 6 ballot | Sheboygan Sun 03.31.2021

Kohler School District renovation site plan and first floor layout from Sheboygan Sun article. Shows $20 million referendum project for Wisconsin K-12 education facility improvements, including new library, STEAM classrooms, and athletic upgrades.

 


 

VISIT OUR Education CONSTRUCTION PAGE

Discover more about our extensive experience building state-of-the-art educational facilities. Our work in educational construction includes group learning classrooms, open collaboration spaces, dedicated STEAM classrooms, maker spaces, art classrooms, lecture halls, music classrooms, learning resource centers, laboratories, aquaponics, performance centers, shop classrooms, innovation kitchens, fitness facilities, competition pools, gymnasiums, recreation centers and entire campuses. 

Education Construction Solutions Your Industry. Our Expertise.

 

K-12 schools and higher education campuses are more than physical buildings. They are complex environments that inspire learning. That's why we're building clean, safe, state-of-the-art educational facilities to support diverse learning experiences for students and educators. Explore our K-12 or higher education construction project experience using this link to the YOUR INDUSTRY: EDUCATION CONSTRUCTION pages.

 

C.D. SMITH CONSTRUCTION. CREATING ENVIRONMENTS THAT INSPIRE LEARNING.

 


TRADE PARTNERS & BIDS |If you're interested in working with us or would like to request adding your company to our bidder’s database, Click Here to complete our Trade Partners & Bids Form.

About C.D. Smith

C.D. Smith Construction is an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services. Utilizing an integrated approach and self-performing trade services combined with technical expertise, our team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project, from planning through construction. With veteran leadership and a dedication to our employees and clients, we proudly place our name on projects of all sizes across the United States.

Visit www.cdsmith.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Contact Us


Beneath the Hard Hat®, our company press and blog, offers an intimate look at the people and stories that make C.D. Smith Construction. With the latest industry news and project updates, we share insights on the superior spaces we are safely delivering year-round. Our technical experts provide valuable tips and topics to help plan your next commercial project.

Subscribe to Beneath the Hard Hat For news, insights and updates from our blog

---

TRADE PARTNERS & BIDS |If you're interested in working with us or would like to request adding your company to our bidder's database, please complete our Trade Partners & Bids Form: Click Here.

Recent Posts


 


Get in Touch

Corporate Headquarters
125 Camelot Drive
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Milwaukee Office
8325 W. Tower Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53223

Madison Office
316 West Washington Avenue
Suite 900 
Madison, WI 53703

La Crosse Office
333 Front Street North
Suite 701 
La Crosse, WI 54601

Ready to build community and get connected with commercial construction expertise? Use the below form to submit questions or request information. We look forward to learning more and discovering how we can make YOUR PROJECT. OUR PRIORITY.®.