Platz Associates - Edward Little High School

Project Profile - Edward Little High School Addition

PROJECT: Edward Little High School Addition
LOCATION: Auburn, Maine
CLIENT: City of Auburn, Maine
SERVICES: Architect - Engineer - Construction Manager

The addition to Edward Little was one of the most exciting projects that we at Platz Associates have ever been involved with. The City of Auburn was unable to get state financing for the construction of needed classrooms at its high school. After considering several alternatives, such as portable classrooms or a split campus, the City decided to finance new construction on its own, something that had not been done in the State of Maine in a very long time. An RFP was issued for design services and Platz Associates was selected as the architect.

edwardlittleinterior_sm2.jpg (8239 bytes) Strict budget constraints were placed on the project by the City. Additionally, the building had to be designed, bid, and constructed in only eight months in order to be ready for the beginning of the 1997 - 1998 school year. Construction management is one way to both save money and fast track a project to ensure the quickest construction time table. Although no state funds were involved, Auburn still had to get special permission from the state to utilize construction management.

In designing the building, Platz Associates worked with a committee of citizens, administrators, teachers, and students. In keeping with the mandated budget, this 21 classroom addition has few thrills. It is, however, highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. At a time when school construction is costing over $115 per square foot, this project was built for $56 per square foot. In addition to the classrooms, this project includes one new and one rebuilt staircase, a bathroom, lockers, bookcases, site preparation, and all fees. It is hoped that in an era of diminishing state resources, this project will serve as a model for other cities to emulate.

Two Great Falls Plaza
Auburn, Maine 04210
Tel 207.784.2941 - FAX 207.784.2942
email: architects@platzassociates.com