project: DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM (DCSS) FACILITIES MASTER PLAN
date: 2001
location: ALBANY, GA
client: DCSS
contact: ROBERT LLOYD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONAL SERVICES
In the fall of 2001, Dougherty County School System, operating a total of 27 schools and a variety of administrative, storage and support facilities sought to conduct a comprehensive Facilities Analysis and Master Plan to guide facility development over the next five to ten years.
Urban Collage, Inc. developed the Facilities Master Plan through an interactive process with Dougherty County administrators, Board of Education members, faculty and staff. Based upon the anticipated instructional program and system goals, teams of facility experts assessed each school and support facility to identify program deficiencies and needed building improvements. The 5-year plan included phasing and budgeting schedules.
Since the completion of the Master Plan, Urban Collage has continued to assist Dougherty County School System with programming, planning and design management. Urban Collage has assisted Dougherty County staff with four high school addition/renovation projects, 2 new elementary schools, and 5 elementary school renovation/addition efforts. In 2006, Urban Collage facilitated a 5-year update of the Local Facilities Plan and in 2011 continues to support the system with project planning and design management.
Implementation Highlights:
- Passed a second SPLOST referendum, securing $74 million for facility improvements
- Constructed Jackson Heights Elementary School to replace an obsolete facility
- Constructed Live Oak Elementary School in the growing west side of Dougherty County
- Renovated a historic school building near Downtown Albany and an addition to become the new home of Lincoln Magnet Elementary School
- Over a 4-year period Dougherty County Schools implemented attendance area changes for the system’s four high schools
- Constructed an Advanced Math and Engineering, Media Center, and Cafeteria/Kitchen Addition to Monroe High School
- Constructed a Communications and Arts addition and performed a complete classroom renovation to Albany High School
- Constructed a Health and Advanced Sciences addition and performed a significant classroom renovation to Westover High School
- Significant renovation projects were performed at Lake Park and Turner Elementary Schools
- Currently, Dougherty High School is the site of a Fine Arts addition including new music, art, dance, and drama suites.
