August 2002

Ran:  San Diego Daily Transcript Soaring Dimensions - North County
Thursday, August 29, 2002

Area growth is causing boom in school construction

Local contractor helping to accommodate demands for new educational facilities
By Joe Britton

North County is experiencing a population and housing boom of impressive scale. According to San Diego Association of Governments estimates, the population of North County if fast approaching a half a million residents; and approximately 90,000 are between the ages of 5 and 18. Along with this population growth is an expanding need for new and renovated education facilities.

With families marching north to find attainable housing, a number of schools will have to be build to educate the18-and-under demographic. One builder - Barnhart Inc - is now working on multiple projects in North County to help overcome the region's school shortage crisis. The builder has obtained a number of new school construction projects. The company is also working on a number of school modificAtions and renovations.

"Twenty years ago the North County had a relatively small population and the schools were adequate to serve the needs of that population," said Doug Barnhart, CEO of Barnhart Inc. "As the population exploded, it was challenging for school districts to keep pace. Today, thanks to a number of successful bond measures, and the proactive planning of school districts, there are a large number of projects either under way or planned that will alleviate overcrowding and accommodate future growth."

Because there is such a demand for new school, Barnhart Inc has been tasked with opening several facilities this fall. The rush is on to complete projects in time for this September's back-to-school. Presently, Barnhart is building two new schools and modifying three others in the North County.

Westview High School
The new Westview HIgh School in Poway will cost approximately $54.2 million to build. The facility is set to open for students in September.

Upon completion the new school will encompass 211,000 square feet in 18 buildings on a 63-acre site. In addition to classrooms, laboratories, resource areas, a performing arts center, fine arts studios and administration spaces, the school will include a football stadium with concrete bleachers, a 40,000-square-foot gymnasium and locker room facilities, swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, as well as baseball, softball and other sports fields. The school features the latest in technology infrastructure and computer networking capabilities.

Torrey HIlls Elementary School
Torrey Hills Elementary School in Sorrento HIlls is scheduled to be completed and open in September. The $11.1 million new facility will total 54,000 square feet of wood-framed buildings. Included are an administration building, library, multipurpose room, eight classroom buildings, two restroom buildings, kindergarten area and one extended studies facility. Covered walkways will also be a project feature.

Torrey Pines High School renovation/addition
Renovation work on the Torrey Pines High School in Encinitas will include the addition of a two-story, 21,000-square-foot counseling center constructed of masonry and steel. Barnhart Inc is also building a two-story, relocatable classroom and upgrades to the building's electrical, HVAC and fire alarm systems. The project will be completed by the end of August.

La Costa Canyon High School renovation/addition
Renovation to the La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad include the addition of a food satellite building and remodel of the existing food service building. In addition, a new 13,000-square-foot classroom building and 1,500-square-foot audio-visual building will be constructed.

The renovations will be completed by September and cost approximately $7.2 million for both high schools.

Ada Harris Elementary School
Located in Cardiff by the Sea, the Ada Harris Elementary School renovations and additions include the construction of two buildings totaling 50,387 square feet. The fast track multiphased project will last only 14 months and will be completed for the September opening.

According to Barnhart, meeting the tight deadlines for these projects was the major challenge.

"We had to pull out all the stops to get these projects done in time for the upcoming school year," he said. "All of the schools we are currently working on are on-schedule and will be ready for students before the school year begins."

Barnhart Inc sees the development of new schools in North County as a way to demonstrate its expertise in school building while at the same time build exceptional educational facilities for the children in North County.

"The North County as a whole has recognized the importance of building new schools and making existing schools capable of accommodating more students and the latest technological advances," Barnhart said. "The opportunity to help build schools that are able to better facilitate children's learning has been a great honor. Despite all of the growth, I am confident that with the continued support of the community and the North County governments we will be able to provide exceptional facilities for all of the educational needs of the North County."

Back