Arts and Athletic Center (AAC) Bond Project

Construction Update

September 2021

The Arts and Athletic Center (AAC) is expected to be completed in the next six months. The project is moving right along. Currently, construction is focused on the outdoor site work, including sidewalks, parking lot areas, paving, landscaping, and underground work. The outside work is scheduled to be completed by the end of October. Inside the building, construction workers work on ductwork, painting, installing basketball courts, floors, and electrical work.  The AAC is scheduled to complete in March of 2022, with total usage in the fall of 2022.  The images below were taken in September.

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AAC Project Construction

Berrien Springs Public Schools is excited to announce the start of construction on the Arts and Athletic Center facilities. Site work is scheduled to begin the week of May 26, 2020.  Contractors will be preparing the site for earthmoving, construction management, materials receiving, and preparation for the actual start of construction on the $19.7 million Arts and Athletic Center facility.
 
Due to current restrictions on large group gatherings resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the district is working with the Construction Management company, Beckering Construction, and Architect, CARMI & Associates, to schedule a formal ground-breaking ceremony to be held at a future date.  When known, this date will be communicated in advance for all to celebrate through multiple district communication media and in our hometown newspaper, The Journal Era. The district is very appreciative of our community for their support of this project and the district’s long-term master facility plan and vision.

 

Scope of the Project

lease note images on this website page are illustrations of the project and it may not reflect the actual completed project.

The Performing Arts Center (PAC) would provide classroom & instructional space for the choir program, band program, drama & musical productions, and possibly technology-related programming such as robotics, computer science, and future technology-related programming.  In addition, the facility would provide auditorium style seating, storage areas and performing areas for the school district’s Fine Arts programs.
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The Indoor Athletic Complex (IAC) would provide auxiliary gym and practice space for up to three (3) indoor athletic teams at one time, additional team locker rooms for male and female athletics, a new fitness and weight room, and wrestling and competitive cheer practice space.  The IAC would be strategically located between the Tennis Complex, Sylvester Outdoor Athletic Center and Baseball/Softball complexes to allow all athletes to benefit from the Fitness and Weight Room. 

Project Timeline

Construction for this project will begin in the Spring of 2020.  The projected date of completion is January 2022.

Design Process

The Design Process has four different phases to this process.  

  • Visioning, Pre-Design, and Programming
  • Schematic Designs
  • Design Development
  • Contract Documents, Bids, and Awards Phase

Visioning Process

In February and March of 2019, the committee met and completed the visioning process for the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and Indoor Athletic Center (IAC).  The committee was comprised of 20 members from the community, staff, students, and board of education.  The visioning process is based on the principles of Design Thinking.  In this process, members seek to understand each other's point of view, set goals for the project, and define challenges.  There are four different sessions to the The group also developed and shared ideas for the design of these facilities. 

Schematic Design

The project is in schematic design.  The architect will be working with staff and focus groups for this phase of the project. 

PAC & IAC Layout View

Building Massing Visual

Design Development Progress Update

Performing Arts and Indoor Athletic Center: Aerial View

Performing Arts and Indoor Athletic Center:  Proposed Floor Plans

Performing Arts Center:  Proposed Lobby Entrance Area

Proposed Site Plan:  This is the proposed site plan for the Performing Arts Center and Indoor Facility which includes parking areas and traffic flow plans.

 

Construction is expected to start in late May/early June 2020.

This 3D rendering is the proposed entrance to the Arts and Athletic Center.  The lobby, concessions, and restrooms will be shared between both the Athletic Center and Performing Arts Center.

This 3D rendering design is the proposed Athletic Center, which will feature basketball courts, a weight room, and lockers.

This rendering design is back view of the proposed Performing Arts Center which will feature a stage craft area, band room, choir room, stage, other educational spaces, and an auditorium with seating for 750 people.

Arts and Athletic Center Groundbreaking Ceremony

The Arts and Athletic Center (AAC) Groundbreaking Ceremony was held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at the High School Arts and Athletic Center site. Participating in the event were members of the Berrien Springs Public Schools staff and administration, the architect and construction team, and the bond committee leadership team.