January 20, 2010
Elkins Constructors, Inc. Constructing Florida’s First KIPP Charter School in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Elkins Constructors, Inc. has been awarded the bid to construct Florida’s first Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) School in Jacksonville. The company is serving as the general contractor for the new public charter schools.
Elkins is charged with transforming a previous clubhouse facility into an educational campus that will serve three KIPP Jacksonville schools. Jacksonville Greyhound Racing, the owner of the former Jacksonville Kennel Club on North McDuff Avenue, donated the land and a four-story building to KIPP for its new schools.
Extensive renovations of the 170,000 square foot building are planned through July in preparation for the school’s inaugural school year. At $3.2 million, the scope of work includes the demolition of the existing interiors, some site and shell improvements, and the build out of the first floor to include classrooms, administrative offices and a cafeteria. The property also consists of an outdoor playing field will be used for physical education programs as well as areas that can accommodate basketball courts and playing fields. Fisher Koppenhafer Architecture, located in Jacksonville, FL., is the architect of record for the project.
KIPP is national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools. Serving 21,000 students in 19 states, KIPP has a renowned track record of preparing students from among our nation’s most educationally underserved communities with the academic and character skills necessary for success in college and in life.
“The KIPP model has seen incredible results in other parts of the country, sending over 80% of its students to college. We are fortunate to have an innovative program like this in our city,” said Elkins Vice President and Project Executive David Hamilton. “For Elkins, this is a great way for our company to give back to the community.”
According to KIPP Jacksonville Executive Director Tom Majdanics, KIPP’s success stems from a focus on five core operating principles, called the “Five Pillars”. They include high expectations for every student; the choice and commitment of parents, students and faculty to work together; more time in school; giving principals the tools and power to lead their schools; and a tight focus on accountability and academic results. For KIPP students, more time in school means class from 7:20 a.m. until 5 p.m. every weekday, half-days every other Saturday and at least two weeks of summer school.
KIPP Impact Middle School will be the first of three planned KIPP Jacksonville schools at the campus. It will open in August 2010, starting with 5th grade and adding more grades in subsequent years until the school serves 5th through 8th grade. Additional schools will open in subsequent years. When complete, approximately 1,200 children will attend the KIPP Jacksonville campus.
Elkins Constructors, Inc., headquartered in Jacksonville, FL has been providing construction management, design/build and general contracting services throughout the Southeastern United States since 1955.
Contact:
Tabitha Collins
904-353-6500