Grand Rapids Public Schools

This $27.5 million project included both restoration and renovation components of Burton Elementary and Middle School, which was also built by O-A-K originally in 1925. Individual gymnasiums, cafeterias, public areas and traffic flow allow for the separation of the elementary and middle schools.

The elementary school is on the 1st floor and includes a full playground in the courtyard, innovative media center, 549 seat auditorium and a full service kitchen. The second and third floors house middle school classrooms, gymnasium and commons area. Irrigation was installed to the neighborhood soccer field, as well as resurfacing the local track and a new splash pad for entertainment.

The school houses a full community medical and dental clinic. This unique feature allows the school to function as a community center as well as a learning place.

This project received numerous awards including: 2009 Award of Excellence from the Associated Builders and Contractors Awards West Michigan; 2009 Building Award from the American Institute of Architects Grand Valley; 2010 Richard Riley National Award for Schools as Centers of Community; and the 2009 Building Award from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network. We achieved 19% participation from Women and Minority Owned Business Enterprises, exceeding the goal by 4%.