Situation
Duluth Public Schools in Duluth, Minnesota, needed to relocate The Hills Youth and Family Services to a more updated and supportive space. A former district K-12 facility, Rockridge Elementary School, was identified as the ideal new home for the program, but it needed significant renovations.
Solution
Using a competitively solicited Sourcewell IDIQ (indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity) construction contract, Duluth Public Schools partnered with Gordian and local contractor Kraus-Anderson Construction to renovate and repurpose a former elementary school into a therapeutic learning environment.
Benefits
- Local contractor partnership supported efficient execution
- Budget-conscious upgrades through reuse and retrofitting
- Spaces designed specifically for therapeutics and education
- Students and staff returned to an updated, welcoming facility
On-demand construction contract supports fast, cost-effective transformation
To transform the former Rockridge Elementary School into a new home for The Hills Youth and Family Services, district leaders worked with Kraus-Anderson Construction through a Sourcewell IDIQ construction contract with Gordian, allowing them to get started quickly.
The project team implemented several cost-saving strategies—such as retrofitting light fixtures and reusing existing water fountains—to stay within the construction budget.
Renovation highlights included:
- Installation of HVAC controls and a new security system
- Construction of nine offices and seven therapy rooms
- Installation of new flooring and ceilings throughout
- Renovation of main entrance
- Painting throughout
- Installation of 60 lockers
- Installation of high efficiency condensing boiler
- Retrofitting of existing light fixtures
- Reuse of existing water fountains
“I have been in facilities management for 21 years – over $350 million in construction – and this was the best project that I have ever been a part of,” said David Spooner, manager of facilities for Duluth Public Schools
The facility, renamed Rockridge Academy, now provides a safe, welcoming environment for students in both residential and day treatment programs. Wide hallways, floor-to-ceiling windows, and natural views create a calming atmosphere designed to support student well-being.
“It’s a lovely building,” said Principal Denise Clairmont. “We were all excited about moving in here. Even the students, on the first day, walked in and said, ‘This is a real school.’”