CLIENT: Atlas Preparatory School
PROJECT: Atlas Elementary School Capital Construction Project
PROJECT LOCATION: Colorado Springs, CO
PROJECT COST: $13.5M
PROJECT FEATURES: 22,000 sf elementary school, 12,000 sf gymnasium, two playgrounds, athletic field, furnishings
iiCON's ROLE: General Contractor
ARCHITECTS: FBT Architects
... Throughout the project and now at the conclusion, I can confidently say our partnership with iiCON ... resulted in the best possible facilities for our school. When we started the project, we identified we could spend around $13.5 million ... the funds did not seem sufficient. However, through strategic value engineering, creative ideas and collaboration with our team, the architects and iiCON Construction, we were able to incorporate all the needs of the project. Our facilities ... exceed expectations in terms of design, aesthetics and functionality. Additionally, this was all executed, on time and on budget in the midst of a pandemic. ... We are immensely grateful for the work and end result that iiCON Construction has provided to Atlas Preparatory School and would highly recommend them to other schools.
—Brittney Stroh, Executive Director
Atlas Preparatory School
Atlas Preparatory Charter School – A Transformative Construction Project
iiCON Construction Colorado, LLC provided Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) services for Atlas Preparatory Charter School’s latest expansion. The project included a new elementary school, a multi-purpose gymnasium, a middle school breezeway, and state-of-the-art athletic fields, all built on a newly developed 14-acre site. The 37,072-square-foot facility was constructed using a pre-engineered metal building system, incorporating modern design elements to enhance functionality and aesthetics.
The elementary school features classrooms, administration offices, a cafeteria that doubles as a gymnasium, break-out rooms, and outdoor playfields. The gymnasium serves students from elementary through high school, providing a wood athletic floor, bleachers, locker rooms, storage, concessions, and administrative offices. A secured entry connects the gym to the elementary school, ensuring campus safety. The athletic fields include a full-size soccer and multi-purpose field, a running track, grandstands, and a press box, creating a well-rounded facility for student activities.
Design and Planning Excellence
iiCON was selected based on its ability to deliver the best value, setting a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) while navigating complex design challenges. iiCON’s expertise in budgeting and design coordination played a crucial role in meeting the school's program requirements within a strict $9.9 million construction budget.
During preconstruction, iiCON and the design team explored multiple site options, including renovating an old police substation and acquiring nearby land for athletic fields. After extensive evaluations, they opted for a 14-acre site that could fully accommodate the school's long-term expansion needs.
One of the biggest planning challenges was integrating a middle school breezeway that connected two repurposed industrial buildings. iiCON redesigned this space to create a secure and engaging environment for students, incorporating seating areas, artistic murals, and expanded play areas.
Overcoming Construction Challenges
Like any major construction project, unforeseen obstacles emerged, requiring innovative solutions. Early in the process, iiCON had to navigate delays in securing planning approvals from the City of Colorado Springs. Initial approvals in May 2019 stalled, pushing the construction start from September to December, shortening the project timeline from 12 months to just 9.5 months.
During site preparation, unexpected underground utilities conflicted with planned installations. Engineers had incorrect data on existing water and sanitary lines, necessitating a redesign that added 900 linear feet of new sanitary lines. Additionally, underground water and clay silt bars—remnants of an old riverbed—were discovered beneath the foundation. iiCON worked with soils engineers to develop a solution without further delaying the schedule.
Another significant challenge was working with Atlas Prep leadership, who lacked experience in constructing new facilities. The team addressed this by using digital tools such as renderings, video walkthroughs, and artificial intelligence to help stakeholders visualize the final project. This collaborative approach ensured that the facility met the school's vision while staying on budget.
The gymnasium construction also presented complications. The pre-engineered metal building required precise coordination to avoid excessive foundation costs. When initial structural plans exceeded the budget, iiCON collaborated with engineers to optimize the design while maintaining structural integrity. This proactive approach kept costs within limits and preserved critical project components.
Managing a Tight Schedule and the COVID-19 Pandemic
With the City’s delays cutting the construction timeline short, iiCON prioritized procurement, ensuring that major materials were ordered early. They provided dedicated storage containers for subcontractors to store materials on-site, preventing supply chain disruptions.
Just as construction ramped up, the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. Despite global supply chain issues, iiCON’s proactive planning meant most materials were already secured, minimizing delays.
Commitment to Quality and Collaboration
Quality control was a top priority throughout the project. Using Procore construction management software, iiCON implemented a rigorous inspection process, ensuring subcontractors met quality standards at every phase. This real-time tracking reduced the need for rework and streamlined the final project closeout.
Jurisdictional approvals also posed hurdles, particularly for drainage and utility installations. While initial approvals moved quickly, infrastructure approvals were slow, requiring constant coordination with city officials. iiCON’s persistence in navigating bureaucracy helped maintain project momentum despite these setbacks.
Throughout the project, iiCON emphasized clear and open communication with all stakeholders. Daily meetings with subcontractors, detailed financial tracking, and real-time progress updates helped keep the project on track.
A Lasting Impact on Atlas Preparatory Charter School
The completion of Atlas Prep’s new facility marked a significant milestone for the school and the broader community. The expanded campus provides students with modern, high-quality learning and athletic spaces, fostering an environment engineered for success.
iiCON’s dedication to planning, problem-solving, and collaboration ensured the project’s success despite a compressed timeline, unexpected site conditions, and a global pandemic. By overcoming challenges with strategic thinking and teamwork, the company delivered a facility that exceeded expectations while staying within budget.
Ultimately, the project’s success was a testament to iiCON’s commitment to excellence in construction. Through meticulous planning, proactive communication, and unwavering dedication, the team transformed a vision into reality—creating a space where students can learn, grow, and achieve their highest potential.
