North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Melmark has partnered with Swinerton Builders and Ossa Design Studio to design and build a new school at its service division in Charlotte.
Construction of Melmark’s new school is expected to be complete by the spring 2023 and will allow the organization to increase enrolment to 72.
“Over the past five years we have been proud to serve students in this region, said Rita M. Gardner, Melmark President and CEO. “We have partnered with school professionals, families, and other stakeholders to share information about the highly specialized special education programming
“There is a steady, growing need for our services and this new school building will support spacious, well-designed classroom environments with innovative tools for learning and skills building.,”
The new building will be a 31,000 sq. ft., one-story structure designed to meet ADA requirements. There will be grade-level access to classrooms and other resources in 14 classrooms, clinical support spaces, offices, and fully accessible restrooms. A lunchroom will provide social interaction opportunities for students, and a larger space for professional development and training.
“This project recognizes that the exceptional quality of Melmark’s special education programs must be matched with a similar quality school environment,” Gardner said. She added, “It recognizes that resources at the point of care for the children and adults Melmark serves is at the heart of the organization’s mission. We believe every child has a right to their Free and Appropriate Public Education and we are extraordinarily proud to provide exceptional educational services for both North and South Carolina children.”
The school is being constructed with donations from families, corporate partners, foundations, event proceeds, and other major donations.