BBSD chooses architecture and CM/GC firms for bond project
Black Butte School District is thrilled to announce the hiring of SAJ Architecture and Griffin Construction for our Bond project.
For two weeks in September the BBSD Bond Committee met with David McKay and Steve Earle of HMK Company to review proposals and interview firms. HMK Company is the project management firm BBSD is working with for the entirety of the remodel project funded by school bond 16-105 that was approved by voters in May 2023.
The Bond Committee is a 5 person team that includes Board Chair Marie Sheahan “Bear” Brown (BBS alum), Board Member Gary Lovegren (parent to three BBS alums), Head Teacher Delaney Sharp (parent to two current BBS students), Molly Schultz, Family-Community Engagement Coordinator (parent to one current BBS student), and Business Manager Simon Levear.
With HMK facilitating the process, the Bond Committee reviewed eight proposals from architecture firms and three proposals from CM/GC (Construction Management/General Contractor) firms. After a series of interviews and careful deliberation considering our unique needs for this project, the team chose SAJ Architecture and Griffin Construction, LLC. Both firms are local to Central Oregon, have a wealth of experience in K-12 projects, and have team members ready to get started right away.
With an aggressive timeline and goal of starting construction by late Spring 2024, the Bond Committee looked closely at the firms abilities to deliver on this tight schedule. SAJ edged out the competition due to their experience in leading Black Butte School through the process of developing the District’s Long-Range Facility Plan (LRFP). Jonah Jenson, principal architect and owner of SAJ, worked at then BLRB Architects and facilitated the assessment of our current school facility, and thus gained critical knowledge of the property.
With the team in place, the next step is the design process, which begins this week with SAJ and the Bond Committee, and will continue through the Fall. A community meeting for public input is scheduled for mid-December, date TBA.
The Bond Committee sifted through many proposals from highly qualified firms and was pleased to have many choices. SAJ and Griffin Construction rose to the top with their experience, leadership, communication and passion.
“With the funds approved by the community on the May bond measure we have a unique opportunity to improve and upgrade our school. BBS is committed to transforming this historic investment into a positive impact for our school and community.”
