"The average cost to build this type of school in 2007 was $157 per square foot, soft costs aside, according to Indiana's DLGF. With design-build promising lower costs, we were hoping for a 6% savings. I am very pleased that we have realized a 16% cost savings amounting to nearly a $4,000,000 savings for South Adams taxpayers."
South Adams Schools
Berne, Indiana
"After Superintendent Cathy Egolf explained to us how Design Build would be more beneficial to our community as opposed to traditional Plan and Spec, we jumped on board very quickly. It has been a pleasure to work with Performance Services and to see all contractors working as a team and not against one another in a competitive way. That is the beauty of design-build, not to mention the time and cost savings. I feel South Adams made the right choice."
South Adams School Board
South Adams Schools, Berne Indiana
- Project Cost: $19,967,689
- Cost per Square Foot: $133
- Total Square Feet: 149,678
- Capacity: 1,025 Students
- Project Profile
New School Dedicated July 23, 2009
The dedication of the new South Adams Pre-K through 8th Grade School happened on schedule with members of the Class of 2022 joining Tony Mellencamp, School Board President, and school principals, Scott Litwiller and Jeff Rich, to cut the ribbon. Photos and articles of the event are included on this page.
South Adams Schools Experience with Design-Build Integrated Delivery
Cost Effective - Design-build proved to be cost effective because of early knowledge of project scope, no need to rebid or redesign, and team involvement UPFRONT to assure a shared knowledge base. Open book pricing, no change orders and strong communication prevented gaps throughout the design and construction phases.
Shortened Project Duration - The South Adams school was built with a parallel project schedule that allowed for faster completion. Construction trades worked in parallel throughout the construction process. A collegial environment allowed for innovative and creative solutions as well as enjoyable work relationships. A graduated turnover schedule allowed teachers into their classrooms in March - June 2009 to set up prior to the ribbon cutting event on July 23, 2009.
Value-Based Project Feedback - The owner and design-build team listened to explore creative options and choose what methods and materials would maximize owner value. Win-win relationships encouraged and enabled an integrated and quality result.
Single Source Accountability - Performance Services is committed to meeting owner expectations for a quality result and a high performance building that will serve the current and next generation of South Adams citizens. An optimal learning environment is guaranteed.
Performance Services Recognizes Our Partners
Performance Services wishes to thank the South Adams school board, school community and our construction partners for a safe and successful project, and for making history as the first design-build public school in Indiana.
Local Berne contractors
- Berne Ready Mix
- Don Myers Plumbing
- Fuhrman Electric
- Lica Construction
- Limberlost Construction
- Amy's Photography
