October 2024

Atlanta Public Schools

In Atlanta, JE Dunn Construction took on an ambitious project that was set to change the face of education in the city. They were building the new North Atlanta High School, transforming an old office complex into a modern, cutting-edge educational facility. This project was all about creativity, innovation, and a whole lot of hard work.

The journey began in 2010 with JE Dunn’s work on the original North Atlanta High School, a project that demonstrated the company’s ability to handle complex renovations under tight timelines. The success of this project, completed over two intense summer periods, laid the groundwork for their subsequent engagement. The district’s satisfaction with the renovation led to JE Dunn being shortlisted for a much larger endeavor: the construction of a new high school to accommodate the expanding student population in the area.

Winning the bid for the new North Atlanta High School was no small feat. It required not only a solid track record but also innovative thinking and a keen understanding of the client’s needs. The new project involved converting a sprawling IBM office complex, consisting of two large office buildings, into a state-of-the-art high school campus. This included the demolition of a nine-story building and the comprehensive renovation of an 11-story high-rise into a modern classroom facility.

The project’s scope was extensive. In addition to the classroom renovations, JE Dunn was tasked with creating new athletic facilities, including a football field, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, and more. Each aspect of the project was meticulously planned to ensure that the new high school would provide students with a world-class educational environment.

One of this project’s most unique challenges was converting the office building into a functional and efficient school. This required out-of-the-box solutions for vertical transportation, essential for moving large numbers of students between floors. The implementation of a destination elevator system was a game-changer. This system grouped students by floor destinations, significantly improving the efficiency of the elevators and ensuring smooth transitions between classes.

Another significant challenge was the building’s location over a retention pond, referred to as the lakeside building. This required JE Dunn to build a floating dock to access and upgrade the plumbing and electrical systems beneath the building, ensuring the facility’s infrastructure met the high standards required for a modern educational institution.

The project’s timeline was equally demanding. The 11-story renovation had to be completed within 12 months, a testament to JE Dunn’s efficient project management and commitment to deadlines. Despite encountering unforeseen obstacles such as asbestos and substantial rock excavation, the team’s dedication and problem-solving skills ensured the project stayed on track.

The new North Atlanta High School is now one of Atlanta’s premier educational facilities, thanks largely to JE Dunn’s expertise and original approach. The project not only provided a cutting-edge learning environment but also served as a flagship project during the Great Recession, showcasing the company’s resilience and capability to undertake large-scale projects even in challenging economic times.

This project also marked a significant milestone in JE Dunn’s journey towards embracing Lean construction practices. The implementation of the last planner system on this project was a first for the company, leading to a cultural shift towards more efficient and collaborative project management techniques that have since been adopted across JE Dunn’s projects nationwide.

The new North Atlanta High School stands as a symbol of what can be achieved through creative thinking, meticulous planning and a commitment to excellence. JE Dunn’s work with Atlanta Public Schools not only transformed an office complex into a beacon of education but also set new standards in construction practices, leaving a legacy for both the community and the company itself.

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