General Contractor Selected to Oversee Westonka School District Upgrades

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, one of the Midwest’s oldest and largest commercial general contractors and construction managers, has been selected to manage a series of deferred maintenance projects for the Westonka School District.  

The long-awaited upgrades will be funded by a $29.9 million bond and include long-awaited repairs and upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, roofs, locker rooms, parking lots, technology infrastructures and other interior and exterior improvements.

Some of the district-wide buildings are 50-60 years old. 

The district project will begin this summer and will continue through 2014.  Work will be performed during the summer months as not to disrupt classroom or school activities.

“The key to managing successful school construction projects is exceptionally careful planning and preparation,” said Chad Rettke, project manager for Kraus-Anderson. “Because students and faculty come back to school in September—no matter what—we need to make sure that the contractors have efficiently completed all scheduled work.”

Designed by St. Paul-based Wold Architects and Engineers, construction improvements include: 

Shirley Hills Elementary
2012: elevator safety overrides and playground upgrades.
2013: building remodel, including roof, mechanical, electrical, floor, ceiling, casework and exterior site work; and  reconfigure parking lots to separate bus and parent/student drop-off areas.

Hilltop Elementary
2012: repair and repaint playground, equipment upgrades, and new sound system in gymnasium.
2013: upgrade mechanical and electrical systems, new roof; re-caulk and tuckpointing of envelope; and reconfigure entrance to separate bus and parent/student drop-off areas.

Grandview Middle School
2012: upgrade elevator, site work, repair sidewalk.
2014: improve parking lot, replace roof and exterior windows, finish floor; and upgrade ceiling, electrical service.

2012: expand security cameras; repair press box at track.
2013 and 2014: upgrade locker room, pool areas (construction schedule to be developed).