ADM Preschool Center

The Project:

Repurpose the DeSoto building to become an ADM Preschool Center. This project involves the demolition of the 1922 three-story portion of the building and minimal renovation.

Timeline & Cost:

It is anticipated that the ADM Preschool Center would be completed as one project:

Estimated Start: Demolition of the three-story portion of the DeSoto building is anticipated to begin during the 2027-28 school year.
Estimated Completion and Cost: The ADM Preschool Center would be anticipated to open for the 2028-29 school year at an estimated cost of $2,660,000.

The Purpose:

This project provides a cost-effective solution to address the 100-year-old portion of the building while providing a long-term home and expansion for ADM’s preschool program in a high quality and modern facility.

The Rationale:

The FMP committee found the 1922 three-story portion of the DeSoto building to be in need of significant repair and updating. Additionally, the food service areas, gym, and music spaces in the 1990s portions of the building were identified as needing significant improvements to meet the current/future needs of school-aged students.

Take a Look: Review the images below to view spaces that need repair or updating in the 3-story portion of the DeSoto building.

3-Story Priority Identified Needs

All AC window units need replaced
All windows need replaced
Boiler system needs replaced
Dated electrical systems
Dated mechanical systems
Masonry and concrete issues
Dated bathroom facilities
Dated and worn finishes
Lack of functionality of spaces
Non ADA compliant

The Facility Master Planning committee studied several options to address the needs of the DeSoto building. The options ranged in costs from $2,660,000 to $25,900,000. The three options most closely studied included:

Option 1: Renovate the 3-story portion of the building and update food service, gym, and music spaces to make the building viable to continue serving students in grades 5-6. This option had an estimated cost of $25,300,000.
Option 2: Demolish and replace the classrooms, the library, and the music room that would be lost in the demolition of the 3-story portion of the building. Additionally, updates would be needed to food service, gym, and music spaces to make the building viable to continue serving students in grades 5-6. This option had an estimated cost of $19,800,000.
Option 3: Demolish the three-story portion of the building and repurpose the remaining quality spaces to serve as the ADM Preschool Center. This option allowed the district to maximize and continue using the modern spaces of the building while addressing the many issues found with the 100-year old three story building. This option had an estimated cost of $2,660,000.

The committee determined that Option 3 was the most responsible use of taxpayer funds to meet the long-range facility needs of the district. This solution would allow the district to repurpose and maximize use of the 1990 and 2014 portions of the building to serve as a preschool center. This solution would cost significantly less than other options studied.

Learn More: View Seven Scenarios Studied Overview

November 7, 2023 - ADM Community Schools residents will vote on a $58 million bond issue to complete four projects in the district’s 10-year facility master plan. A "YES" vote of 60% is required for the measure to pass.