H.D. Woodson High School
Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization (OPEFM)

Washington, DC

General Contractor:  Hess Construction and Engineering Services
Architect/Engineer:  Cox Graae & Spack and Setty & Associates, Ltd.
Contract Amount:  $15,302,975
Contract Start Date:  4/1/2010
Contract Completion Date:  08/21/2011
Actual Completion Date:  Substantial completion 8/22/11; Final completion 11/21/11

Challenge
This project required fast-track construction of a new LEED Gold high school, including auditorium and stadium buildings, in time for the first day of classes on August 22, 2011. Our task was made even more difficult in that the site did not receive power from PEPCO until the second week of May 2011; until that happened, none of our equipment could be started or tested.

Solution
Our scope consisted of plumbing, rainwater harvesting system, mechanical piping, equipment installation, ductwork, automatic temperature controls and sprinkler systems. Our Planning Department spearheaded the Building Information Model (BIM) coordination process for all trade contractors.

Mechanical systems includeds centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, gas fired condensing boilers, 100% outside air units, rooftop units and air handlers, 209 variable air volume (VAV) units with reheat coils, split systems, exhaust fans and a pool dehumidification unit. Our Fabrication Shop – prefabricated the boiler plant, chiller plant, cooling tower piping, HVAC piping mains and risers, and coil connections.

We attained a 50% Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) participation level on this project. The project also met the requirements of the First Source Employer Agreement Program and the DC Apprenticeship Program.

Result
Shapiro & Duncan is proud to have played a pivotal role in the construction of the new H.D. Woodson High School, which replaced the original structure built in 1973 and provides a better learning environment for both students and teachers. A D.C. Government press release announcing the opening of the new building called it a “breathtaking and contemporary looking state-of-the-art facility that can serve as a national model for public school modernization.” The new facility design, according to the press release, “is based on the educational philosophy of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), an integrated, project-based learning curriculum designed to prepare students for a STEM-based economy.”