McHugh Completes Riverside Brookfield High School Expansion

CHICAGO, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- James McHugh Construction Co. has completed a $64 million renovation and expansion of Riverside Brookfield High School, McHugh officials announced, even adding eight classrooms to the project while keeping to the original construction budget.

Every phase of the project opened either early or on time despite a massive flood in fall 2008 that forced six feet of water into the basement, knocking out the new electrical service and equipment and forcing the school to close for more than a week.

Original plans did not call for second-floor facilities over the new first-floor science classrooms, said Andy Totten, McHugh project manager. However, McHugh was able to finish the space for no additional cost, he said, by budgeting effectively and taking advantage of reduced material and labor costs.

"We essentially gave the school district eight extra classrooms for free," Totten said.

McHugh worked around significant space challenges. While new high schools often are built on 50 acres, RB only has 6.6 acres, with part of its parking lot and athletic fields owned by the adjacent Brookfield Zoo.

McHugh completed most work while school remained in session, phasing work to minimize disruptions to RB's 1,400 students.

In the first phase, the team built a new music center into a courtyard, updated second-floor classrooms, and constructed a separate vocational education building. Next, McHugh built a new swimming pool, replacing an aging pool too narrow to be used for swim meets. The third, most extensive phase included a new academic and administrative wing with new main entrance; student commons area; and new field house. McHugh also renovated and reconfigured the rest of the school, adding space to the cafeterias and library, and improving the computer labs, auditorium and theater, and main gymnasium.

Throughout the school, the team added new sprinkler and fire alarm systems and more efficient lighting and controls. McHugh replaced mechanical systems, added air conditioning for the whole school, and installed energy-conserving double-glazed windows. Stairwells, corridors and bathrooms, many with 90-year-old fixtures, were renovated to meet current accessibility standards.

Portions of the school date back to 1917, with additions in 1938, 1952, and 1967.  Architect for the project was Darien, Ill.-based Wight Co.

Founded in 1897, McHugh, www.mchughconstruction.com, is one of Chicago's oldest and largest general contracting, construction management and consulting firms.

SOURCE James McHugh Construction Co.