Charlottesville City Schools, Charlottesville Middle School

Charlottesville City Schools undertook a phased modernization of Charlottesville Middle School, formerly Buford Middle School, to bring the City’s sixth- through eighth-grade students together in one building. The project included a new four-story academic building and gymnasium, followed by renovation of the existing school. New and renovated spaces support engaged learning, community-building, and evolving instructional needs, including a modernized cafeteria, an expanded performing arts center, a renovated media center, and science and engineering labs.

The modernization also addressed safety and accessibility challenges associated with the original 1965 facility. Learning spaces were connected so students and staff no longer need to travel outside between classes, and renovations injim corporated natural light throughout the school. A new HVAC system was designed to improve indoor air quality and reduce noise, while operable windows allow for fresh air during appropriate weather conditions. A fossil-free geothermal energy system and other efficiency improvements are projected to reduce energy consumption by two-thirds.

MBP provided Owner’s Representative services throughout the design and construction phases. During design, MBP performed constructibility reviews of the construction documents to identify issues related to clarity and coordination. During construction, MBP provided an on-site construction manager responsible for budget, quality, schedule, and construction administration. MBP chaired bi-weekly progress meetings, maintained project documentation, performed quality assurance inspections, reviewed change orders and tracked the overall budget, and performed detailed reviews of the contractor’s CPM schedules.