From Blueprints to Bidding: Progress Update on North Ridgeville’s New High School

From Blueprints to Bidding: Progress Update on North Ridgeville’s New High School 

As the winter season settled in, the new high school rapidly transitioned from a digital model to a tangible reality. Following a period of thorough design, collaboration, and technical refinement, the design team achieved a major milestone just before the holiday break. It officially released the new school’s set of Construction Documents (CDs). 

This critical step marks the shift from design and planning to construction activity, as the project enters an active bidding phase.

Image Caption: The site of the new North Ridgeville High School is largely prepared for construction when the warmer weather arrives.  

The Evolution of Design: Precision in Every Detail

The journey to this point has been a tiered process of increasing refinement. In architecture, the path from a concept to a buildable structure follows a specific process:

• Schematic Design (SD): This phase establishes the "first complete picture," laying out the building’s rough footprint and overall aesthetic.

• Design Development (DD): The focus shifts to the "stuff inside the walls." Engineers and architects hone in on mechanical systems and structural requirements, providing an outline specification of materials.

• Construction Documents (CDs): The final stage, which was just completed, involves creating highly detailed drawings and comprehensive specifications. These documents must be precise enough for contractors to bid on and build from, including three verified manufacturers for every specified component to ensure competitive quality.

During the final push in December, the design team met with school staff to fine-tune technical spaces such as the broadcast studio, science labs, and the media center. These conversations cover granular details of the space. For instance, one adjustment was to the science lab cabinetry that includes specific 43-inch drawers for science equipment and coordinating the placement and number of drying racks for artwork. While furniture selection occurs later in the process, these technical revisions ensure the building functions as a high-performance learning tool from day one.

The Bidding Process: Ensuring Quality and Value

With the CDs released on December 23rd, the construction manager, Hammond Construction, is now managing the overall bidding process. The project is being bid on by pre-qualified contractors who specialize in school construction. This ensures that the individuals building these environments are vetted experts in the field.

ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Claire Bank commented, “The transition from design to bidding marks an important milestone in the project. We field technical questions from bidders and ensure that we clarify any questions they have to make sure all the details align with their expertise and the district's vision.”

Bidding is expected to conclude at the end of January. Once Hammond reviews and selects the successful bids, the district may see "bid day savings." If bids come in under budget, these funds can be reallocated as contingencies or used to select bid "alternatives"—upgraded finishes or additional features that can further enhance the educational environment in the new school.

Site Preparation and Next Steps

While the high school design was being finalized, work at the site began to slow as the early site package was largely completed. While some minor utility work needs to be completed, the site is almost ready for construction. 

Additionally, the new Transportation and Maintenance Center was completed. With this milestone, staff moved into the new facility, and the old structure will be demolished, a final step in preparation.

As early spring approaches, the community will see activity on the site as the team transitions to vertical construction.

Image Caption: The new Transportation and Maintenance Center were completed and