Hight-Jackson Scores Big Regional Contract
by June 11, 2001 12:00 am 75 views
Hight-Jackson Associates of Rogers recently landed a $24 million account with the Pittsburg, Kan., school district for construction and renovation of the district’s schools through 2006.
Gary Jackson, CEO of the architecture firm, said his company was selected after making it to the district’s short list of five finalists for the job.
The multiple-project deal will eventually total 419,900 SF. Two $12 million phases are planned, with the first phase already in progress. The second phase is scheduled for 2003.
When completed, the project will include a new elementary school totaling 44,000 SF, and renovations are being made to three elementary schools — totaling 83,600 SF, 44,300 SF and 38,000 SF.
A major addition to the district’s 210,000-SF middle school is also in the works.
Previous attempts, in 1994 and 1996, at passing bond issues required for construction were unsuccessful.
Jackson said he believes his firm was hired because of its expertise in promoting bond elections. The firm worked with the district to get its bond passed.
“One of things Hight-Jackson does is partner with school districts to help promote a bond election,” Jackson said. “It obviously worked.”
Jackson said the deal was important for the firm, not only because of the size and length of the project but also because it increases Hight-Jackson’s regional exposure.