PROBLEM 30 PRESENTATION OF THE FINAL PLANS AND Problem: In Salston, N. K., the Board of Education and its administrative staff have been devoting much time to the planning of a new high school. The architects have announced the completion of their work. A meeting of the Board of Education has been called to take action. At this meeting Superintendent Wall presented his recommendation as follows: REPORT NO. 22 PRESENTATION OF THE FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL From the Superintendent of Schools to the Board of Education MADAM AND GENTLEMEN: April 6, 1926 1. At a special meeting of the Board held on December 8, 1925, you authorized the preparation of final plans and specifications for the erection of the Roosevelt High School. 2. In accordance with this authorization and in conformance with previous action of the Board in approving certain space requirements, etc., I herein submit a communication from the architects, Chambers and Williams, which is accompanied by a set of plans and specifications for the construction of the building. Superintendent J. C. Wall DEAR SUPERINTENDENT WALL: March 6, 1925 We are transmitting herewith blueprints and specifications for general construction, heating and ventilating, plumbing and electric wiring, for the Roosevelt High School, all of which have been prepared in accordance with original program presented by the Board of Education and which include all of the changes and suggestions which have been made from time to time. The blueprints and specifications include a complete building in all respects with the exception of the movable furniture and miscellaneous equipment. They do not include Grading Sidewalks, Athletic Field, and other items pertaining to the completion of the work, the drawings of which will be presented at a later date. In preparing these plans, we have had on our staff at all times experienced engineers who assisted us in preparing the mechanical portions. These engineers were men not interested in any way in selling materials. We feel confident that these blueprints and specifications herewith submitted are complete in detail. In the event the Board decides to advertise for bids immediately, we will be in a position to supply contractors with necessary blueprints and specifications. We wish to take this opportunity to thank you and all others who assisted us in preparing the working drawings and specifications. It has been a real pleasure to work with you men. We have appreciated your sincerity and your suggestions which have been an invaluable assistance to us in preparing the working drawings and specifications. We trust that the School Board will receive these blueprints and specifications favorably. CW:RST Respectfully submitted, CHAMBERS & WILLIAMS 3. In presenting these final plans and specifications for the Roosevelt High School, I beg to submit letters of approval from the Educational Adviser, the Municipal Art Commission, and the State Education Department. (a) Superintendent J. C. Wall Salston, N. K. DEAR SUPERINTENDENT WALL: April 2, 1926 After having made a final check of the plans for the Roosevelt High School Building, together with the architects and yourself, we are pleased to give them our unqualified approval. Very truly yours, WILLIS AND WATKINS (b) Chambers & Williams Architects Salston, N. K. GENTLEMEN: April 3, 1926 The members of the Municipal Art Commission have viewed the design in your office for the proposed High School for Salston and found it exceedingly interesting. The Municipal Art Commission takes pleasure in approving the design and is gratified in having this contribution made to the beauty of our city. Very truly yours, WINSTON GERARD, President March 26, 1926 (c) Mr. J. C. Wall Superintendent of Schools Salston, N. K. DEAR SUPERINTENDENT WALL: The State Department of Education has examined the general plans for the proposed Roosevelt High School building for Salston and begs to advise that on the basis of the plans, data and information submitted, these plans comply with the requirements of the School Code. The plans are therefore approved for construction. SRS:RED Very sincerely yours, S. R. SALMON, Director Division of School Buildings 4. For further information of the Board, I beg to state that instructions to proceed with the preparation of the final plans and specifications were given only after a common agreement had been reached in conference with the Educational Advisers, the Secretary of the Board, the High School Principal, and the Supervisors of Special Subjects. By this course of procedure every item having to do with the administration of the schools came under close scrutiny. By careful study it has been found possible to utilize every cubic foot in the building to its full value, thereby eliminating any possible waste from the point of view of construction. All the while the comfort of the children who will occupy this building, along with the proper set-up for educational advantages, has been kept prominently in mind. The architects, Chambers & Williams, have found it possible to meet in a very fine way every requirement suggested by the school people for the proper care of school problems. In their specifications they have provided for alternate bids in every essential item, which makes possible the most generous competition. 5. In harmony with all of the above and in order that the building construction may be begun at the earliest date possible I recommend the following: (a) That the plans and specifications as presented be approved. (b) That the Secretary be authorized to advertise for bids, with the understanding that the bids will be opened at a special meeting of the Board to be held on Thursday, May 8, 1926, at 8:00 o'clock, P.M. 6. In closing this report, which has in it so much that is farreaching in the life of the community and the children therein, I want to express publicly my appreciation for the generous coöperation offered by the Board members during the preparation of these plans and specifications. Respectfully submitted, Assignment 1. What are the obligations the Board assumes on the acceptance of these plans? 2. Having accepted the plans and specifications, can the Board vote changes in them without making further financial commitments to the architect? 3. In case the minimum bid exceeds the money available, what policy can the Board follow? 4. Write the resolution which you, as superintendent of schools, would recommend for adoption to the Board of Education at this time. 5. Criticize the form and content of the superintendent's recommendation as presented in this problem. 6. What criticisms have you of the program followed in the planning of this building? 7. How much time should be allowed contractors for the making of estimates on a $500,000 high school? 8. What percentage of the architect's fee is due on the ac ceptance of plans? When does the remainder of the fee fall due? 9. Does the letter from the architect indicate that the customary planning service has been rendered? 10. What consideration should be given the public and the press at this point in the planning? BIBLIOGRAPHY Agreement with Architect. National School Building Journal. 4:10:443, 463, 465, October, 1923; 520-523, 525, 527, 529, 531, November, 1923. BRUCE, W. G. School Architecture: A Handy Manual for the Use of Architects and School Authorities. Johnson Service Co. 1906. (Revised 1910) Documents of the American Institute of Architects. (Relating to Subject.) The Octagon, Washington, D. C. DONOVAN, J. J. ET AL. School Architecture-Principles and Practices. Macmillan, 1921. LOCKHART, G. L. Bond Issues and the Building Program. National School Building Journal, 1922. MILLS, W. T. American School Building Standards, pp. 110-24. Franklin Educational Publishing Co., Columbus, Ohio, 1915. |