ST LOUIS, MO – S. M. Wilson & Co. has completed the Northwest R-1 School District bond program of construction projects that include updates to every campus in the district. S. M. Wilson was the Construction Manager at Risk for the projects, which were funded through the $28 million Proposition S bond issue, and included ADA accessible upgrades and renovations to meet the district’s safety and security plan. Additions at three schools to enhance student athletics and activities were designed as ICC 500-rated storm shelters — a 15,000-square-foot weight/wrestling room at Northwest High School, a 10,000-square-foot athletic gym addition at House Springs Elementary School and a 5,100-square-foot Fine Arts addition at Valley Middle School.
Construction began in May 2024. The District’s originally issued schedule was 29 months, but S. M. Wilson created an alternate 22-month schedule to save the District time and money. This schedule was achieved through early bid packages, accelerating the high school addition and phasing projects based on location. Paragon Architecture provided architectural services.
With construction taking place on several occupied campuses and buildings, specialized phasing and safety plans were developed for each site to ensure student health and campus security and safety. Monthly drone flyovers with 360-degree captures supported quality control, facilities documentation and progress updates. Video walk-throughs were also hosted through S. M. Wilson’s technology platform.
Other district upgrades included adding an ADA lift at Maple Grove Elementary; sitework projects and secure entries at multiple schools and improvements to the District’s bus garage.
M. Wilson has worked in partnership with 40+ school districts in Illinois and Missouri, including Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7, Alton Community Unit School District #11, Knoxville CUSD #202, Hallsville R-IV School District, Winfield R-IV School District, Jefferson City School District, Columbia Public Schools, Ladue School District, Francis Howell School District and Pattonville School District.
The Northwest School District is one of the largest public-school systems in Missouri, ranking 31st out of 562. The district has more than 5,300 students and employs more than 750 staff members across six elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and an early childhood center. For more information, visit www.northwestschools.net
ABOUT S. M. WILSON & CO.
S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with headquarters in St. Louis and an office in Edwardsville, IL. Founded in 1921, S. M. Wilson is dedicated to going above and beyond expectations for their clients by putting people first. The 100% employee-owned company is one of the leading construction management firms in the Midwest. Areas of expertise include K-12 education, commercial, healthcare and industrial projects. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.