Ames Community School District 2016 Facility Master Plan

Ames, Iowa

With the exception of the new Middle School completed in 2005, the Ames School District had not built a new building since 1971. At the request of the Board, a long range master plan was outlined to upgrade many of the existing facilities and replace some sections that are no longer meeting their educational programs. Working in concert with Educational Services Consultants from Lincoln, Nebraska, a 10 year study was completed that analyzed each existing facility, suggested upgrades and improvements, and identified several areas of change to existing buildings to align them better with specific programs.

The suggested upgrades for each facility were determined by a close review of each building system and base structure, and a comparison to trends of similar facilities, projected demographic needs, and the stated Board educational goals. Current standards for accessibility, building security, recreational needs, program support spaces, and code compliance were combined into logical priorities and construction projects for discussion. Each school site layout with its pedestrian and vehicle circulation were also reviewed for their ability to support potential building changes and additions.

The results of the study were closely estimated for construction costs to provide the Board information about potential project phasing and combinations. The goal was to inform the Board and the public about probable expenses of maintaining and upgrading facilities, so that the needs identified can be addressed in upcoming bond referendums.