Edwardsville, IL—Serving as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), S. M Wilson & Co. has completed a $23.8 million renovation and addition project at Rochester High School to build a state-of-the-art science wing, upgrade athletic facilities, enhance
security and add a new student commons area and offices. This is the third construction program that S. M. Wilson has completed with Rochester Community Unit School District #3A. BLDD Architects serves as the district’s design partner.
A 20,000-square-foot science wing that will enhance the school’s STEM instruction was built in place of the 1993 high school wing, which was demolished. On January 17, the district hosted an open house to give students their first chance to explore the new
science wing and then celebrated with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 21.
As part of the project, S. M. Wilson also upgraded the school’s baseball, softball, soccer, football and tennis athletic facilities. The improvements enhance the game-day experience for athletes and fans, including expanded bleacher seating, a synthetic turf
field, improved lighting, an advanced LED video scoreboard, a locker room for visiting teams and a new track surface. Security entrances were added at the main entrances of both Rochester High School and Rochester Elementary School.
Since projects were constructed on an active educational campus, safety and minimizing disruption to the learning environment was S. M. Wilson’s top priority that was achieved through planning methods and project sequencing “Rochester Community Unit School District #3A has been a great partner. It is always special to work with the same district through multiple construction programs and get to see students benefit from the transformations,” said Mark Cochran, COO at S. M. Wilson. Cochran first worked with the District as an intern for S. M. Wilson more than 25 years ago.
S. 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, Pattonville School District among others.
ABOUT ROCHESTER CUSD #3A
Rochester Community Unit School District #3A, founded in 1923, is a premier public school district in Rochester, Illinois, serving over 2,300 students from Pre-K through 12th grade. With a rich Tradition of Excellence built over the past century, Rochester CUSD #3A is committed to providing an innovative and supportive learning environment that empowers students to excel academically and personally. Through strong community partnerships and a focus on student well-being, the district ensures that every learner is prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
ABOUT S. M. WILSON & CO.
S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build, and general contracting firm with offices in St. Louis, MO, and Edwardsville, IL. Founded in 1921, S. M. Wilson is a team of dedicated professionals committed to exceeding client expectations. As a 100% employee-owned company, we take pride in our people-first approach and position as one of the leading construction management firms in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.