Westgate Elementary Capital Improvements (Pimmit Hills: 2013, credit, schools)

[tysonsengineer]

I looked at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/fy2...ic_schools.pdf for an article I am writing on the expansion of school capacity in the region (necessary for the anticipated 10% growth in enrollment over the next 5 years) and I noticed that Westgate Elementary at Pimmit Hills is anticipated to have a renovation performed. The cost of this improvement is three times that for Spring Hill Elementary (13.5 million vs 4.9 million) and I know that the spring hill improvements are for additional capacity.

Soooooo whats the Westgate $13.5 million for? Anyone privy to any additional information on this project because the internet is quiet on the subject.

[JD984]

Originally Posted by tysonsengineer

I looked at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/fy2...ic_schools.pdf for an article I am writing on the expansion of school capacity in the region (necessary for the anticipated 10% growth in enrollment over the next 5 years) and I noticed that Westgate Elementary at Pimmit Hills is anticipated to have a renovation performed. The cost of this improvement is three times that for Spring Hill Elementary (13.5 million vs 4.9 million) and I know that the spring hill improvements are for additional capacity.

Soooooo whats the Westgate $13.5 million for? Anyone privy to any additional information on this project because the internet is quiet on the subject.

You can find more information in the more detailed CIP: http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/cip...3-17_Final.pdf

From scanning it quickly, it appears that the renovations at both Spring Hill and Westgate will expand the schools' capacities, but that the renovation at Westgate is more extensive. The Spring Hill renovations are designed to increase its capacity from 862 students to 962 students, while the Westgate renovations are intended to increase its capacity from 397 students to 750 students. (See pp. 27 and 34, respectively). So it's not surprising the Westgate renovations would cost more. Note also that the Spring Hill renovations are described simply as "capacity enhancements," whereas the more expensive renovations at Westgate are described as part of the "renewal programs." (See pp. 81-82). I haven't read this closely, but I suspect that it means that the main goal at Spring Hill is to add more space, whereas FCPS plans to spend money renovating the existing facilities at Westgate as well as expanding the school's capacity. Since Spring Hill was last renovated in 1993, and Westgate was last renovated in 1984, it's not surprising that Westgate would get a more expensive upgrade sooner.

Do I get by-line co-credit now? JK.

[tysonsengineer]

Ah!!! I had that document up and didnt even see that table. Thank you good sir, you continue to be a source of great information. I was aware of the improvements on Spring Hill and G Marshall, but the Westgate line item on http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/fy2...ic_schools.pdf surprised me.

If you want credit let me know and I can provide via social media or in the article at the bottom.

Thanks again

[JD984]

Originally Posted by tysonsengineer

Ah!!! I had that document up and didnt even see that table. Thank you good sir, you continue to be a source of great information. I was aware of the improvements on Spring Hill and G Marshall, but the Westgate line item on http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/fy2...ic_schools.pdf surprised me.

If you want credit let me know and I can provide via social media or in the article at the bottom.

Thanks again

I was just kidding. You tapped into my ability and/or compulsion to provide quick answers on topics like this. Good luck w/your piece.