Project: Mt. Vernon, NY, Unified School District Modernization

OVERVIEW

Prior to the start of the two-phased School District’s Capital Improvement Program, Luster National provided the Mt. Vernon City School District with pre-referendum services that resulted in the successful passage of a $100 million bond measure. While Mt. Vernon had never attempted a bond measure of this size, its successful passage offers the community the opportunity to create a learning environment for their children that is safe, wired for the 21st century, and celebrates the cultural and economic diversity of the city.

Phase 1 of the program involved $6 million for emergency projects which focused on the repair of roofs, doors, retaining walls, windows, fire alarm systems, leaking basements, and other necessary health/safety issues.

Phase 2 involves the construction of two new schools and additions and renovations to 16 existing schools. Renovations and additions include: conversion of a middle school into a new language magnet elementary school, renovation of a middle school into two separate houses of grades 6-8, major expansion of the alternative high school, and conversion of an elementary school into a new advanced placement high school.

Other elements of the program include reducing classroom sizes and the addition of cafeterias, library / media centers, gymnasiums, art and music rooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and playgrounds as required.

Luster, in joint venture with Turner Construction, is performing full Program Management (with three Architectural/Design Teams) and Construction Management Services. The program is designed to increase the overall educational effectiveness of schools throughout the district, enhance property values, balance school locations in the community, reduce student travel, increase opportunities for community use of facilities, and provide opportunities for local contractors, vendors and suppliers to be involved in the process.

To meet project goals, Luster is also providing the local contracting community with outreach services, training, technical expertise, advice/assistance with insurance and bonding, and a student internship program.