JS&A gets $61m school project underway

Real Estate Weekly, July 28, 2004

Jay Shapiro & Associates, Inc. (JS&A), serving Franklin Township Public Schools as Construction Manager, topped-out the $61-million Franklin High School project.

Franklin Township Board of Education President Eva M. Nagy, Franklin Township Public Schools Superintendent William Westfield, and JS&A President Jay Shapiro attended the traditional construction ceremony--a custom celebrating the placement of the last beam atop a superstructure.

Franklin High School is the largest new school construction project currently under way in New Jersey.

Opening the ceremony, Jay Shapiro said: "Today we are celebrating the traditional topping out of Franklin High School that marks the placement of the last steel beam of the structure and kicks off the final phase of the construction process.

"This milestone wouldn't be possible without the dedication, hard work, creativity, and expertise of project managers, architects, engineers, and construction workers. This will be a magnificent school and I am looking forward to celebrating its opening in 2005."

During the event, the guests and the project team members signed the steel beam decorated with the American flag and two evergreen trees.

It was painted with Franklin High School's colors of blue and gold.

Accompanied by a drum roll and cheers, steel workers lifted the beam with a crane and installed it atop the completed steel structure of the building.

Eva Nagy said: "Without a strong foundation, an edifice will not last. We are grateful for the support we have received from the Franklin community and for the commitment of Jay Shapiro, JS&A's Project Director Arne Aakre, administration, and the entire project crew, who make it possible every day for the Franklin High School project to successfully move towards completion next year."

William Westfield commented: "This is the proudest moment of my 37-year education career. The new Franklin High School is a very complex undertaking and i wish to thank the entire construction team, led by Jay Shapiro, for their dedication and hard work."

Serving as Construction Manager, JS&A manages the project's day-to-day construction activities, schedule, budget, and contractors' performance.

The 340,000-square foot, three-story project is located on a 100-acre site. Designed for 2,000 students, the school will house the entire population of students, grades 9 to 12, in the district.

The building's design allows for a potential 30,000-square foot future expansion. The school will feature 66 modern, 750-square foot classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, and various specialty laboratories; a 20,800-square foot, 2,500-seat gymnasium; an 11,500-square foot, 1,100-seat auditorium; an 11,000-square foot media center/library; a 9,300-square foot cafeteria; a television studio; common areas; and 3,300 lockers. The outdoor facilities will include 16 athletic fields, an eight-lane track, and a 500-car parking lot.

Based on the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act of 2000, the State of New Jersey provided approximately $16.6 million in funding for the project, equal to 27% of Franklin High School's total of $61-million design and construction cost.

In addition to managing construction of the new Franklin High School, JS&A currently serves Franklin Township Public Schools on several other projects with a total value of $9 million.

These assignments include expansions or renovations of Sampson G. Smith Middle School, Franklin Park Elementary School, Pine Grove Manor Elementary School, and Elizabeth Avenue Elementary School.

Besides Jay Shapiro & Associates, Inc., the project team includes architect Faridy Veisz Fraytak, P.C.; structural engineer Harrison-Hamnett, P.C.; and general contractor Epic Management, Inc.