When the Clinton (Iowa) Community School District took on a $66.8 million construction project to create a brand new space for students, it was with big plans.

The multi-phase project includes the demolition of the existing school, with the exception of the gym and pool and a new three-story building, which will house about 75% of the school’s academic programming. A technology education center, a performing and fine arts center, and a commons area will connect the old with the new.

Phase 1 - the construction of the new three-story building - was completed in Q1 2023. Students and faculty began occupying the building in March. Phase 2 includes the demolition of the original building from 1919 and construction of the brand-new technology education center and performing and fine arts center. Phase 3 includes the removal of the demolished building, and construction of a new commons, classroom spaces, and offices. The entire project is slated to be completed by 2025.

Mid-States Concrete provided precast concrete for the first two phases of the project, including 4,891 square feet of hollowcore and 225 wall panels.

“Precast provided us an economical building envelope and quick erection time,” said Tom Wollan, Partner and Architect with FRK Architects & Engineers. “We did not fur out the inside wall surfaces, so once the wall was up and the joints sealed there was no additional work to be done for the wall system. It also, of course, served as structural support for floors and roofs.”

Mid-States Concrete has already completed their phase 1 installation of the project, and will undertake phase 2 in the coming months. The project features some unique panel sizes and shapes near the entrance, and phase 1 included some panels that were up to 44’ tall.

“I think the durability of the precast sandwich wall panels is a great use for any project,” said Troy Yaun, the Preconstruction Lead on this project. “We helped this project go well by using our expertise in the precast field from design, production, and installation.”

Wollan acknowledged the project had its challenges. The phase 1 new addition was only 10’ away from the 1969 building, so not much space to work in. The phase 2 razing of a 1919 building and erection of the technology education center and performing arts center also had challenging space conditions.

“Precast was the logical choice for erection in such tight conditions,” Wollan said. “… The use of precast in phase 1 and phase 2 allows for the building shell to be completed quickly, giving more time for the other trades to get in and do their work.”

Yaun said communication and delivering on quality and customer service from start to finish is crucial to a project’s success.

“I am proud to be part of this school project and to see it when it is done and being used every day for many years to come,” Yaun said.

PRECAST COMPONENTS
4,891 square feet of Hollowcore (52 pieces)
225 Wall Panels (61,029 square feet)

PROJECT PARTNERS
GC: Tricon
Architect: FRK Architects & Engineers