ST. LOUIS, MO— Rolla Public Schools has selected S. M. Wilson & Co. as General Contractor for the district’s new 46,000-square-foot Early Childhood Center. The $8.3 million project involves converting and renovating the former Columbia College-Rolla into a space to house all of the district’s Pre-K and early childhood programming. Scheduled to complete in 2026, the centralized facility will more than double the program capacity to approximately 350 students, allow full-day programming and alleviate strains at the campuses where the ECC programs are currently held.
The project involves interior demolition of the existing building and erection of steel structures to increase the square footage of the building’s second level. New construction features include a kitchen, bathrooms and classrooms. Acoustical upgrades will improve the learning environment and the existing mechanical infrastructure will be re-purposed and modified. Exterior improvements include new asphalt and concrete paving, landscaping and turf play areas. The project also will add tenant space for a pediatric medical and dental services clinic with a separate public entrance. The architect is Hoener Architects and is working closely with Rolla Public Schools to design a flexible, adaptive-reuse facility that supports early learners, educators and expanded community-based services.
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The project is funded by Rolla Public Schools, Phelps County Community Foundation (PCCF), Chymiak Family Foundation, Four Rivers. “Investments in early childhood are proven to create a positive impact on the whole community. This joint effort between the PCCF, Rolla Public Schools, and Four Rivers Community Health Center will address widespread needs in the areas of early education, child poverty, childcare, and healthcare; supporting families across the district,” states the Rolla Public Schools project webpage.
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 and Pattonville School District.
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 our position as one of the leading construction management firms in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.