The sixth traditional high school in the West Ada School District was planned and constructed to accept ongoing growth and students in the west end of the district and the cities of Meridian and Star. The campus occupies 66-acres of a larger 90-acre property purchase to accommodate project infrastructure and future district facility needs. Our team successfully overcame entitlement and infrastructure challenges to help the district open this newest high school on time and on budget to service their growing student population now and into the future.
Details
Location
Meridian, Idaho
Partners
West Ada School District
CM Company
Design West Architects
EcoSystem Sciences
Year Completed
2021
Delivery Method
CMGC/SMAR
Context
Context
Due to Meridian's rapid growth, the West Ada School District faced significant overcrowding in its existing schools. To overcome this continuous growth challenge, the district implemented this sixth high school with additional parcels for future growth in the most rapidly growing area of the district. . The development required annexation into the City of Meridian and significant infrastructure planning and development. On-site silty and highly organic soil conditions from historic agricultural uses presented challenges for storm water drainage and landscape improvements.
Process
Process
The project was essentially developed as off-site infrastructure and on-site campus over a period of three years. Off-site improvements consisted of municipal water and sewer extensions, irrigation district canal and drain modifications, roadway development, and three signalized intersections. On-site improvements had to overcome high groundwater and silty soils with creative drainage solutions and site-specific soil improvements to support turf grass athletic facilities. Early entitlement challenges included the need for collaboration with multiple neighbors to create a successful path to annexation along with navigating the city hearing and development agreement process.
Solution
Solution
The Land Group successfully facilitated multi-party agreements related to infrastructure extensions with required easements and thoughtful alignments to support future growth in the area. Collaboration with traffic engineers and the local highway district allowed for roadway and intersection improvements to occur in combination with the campus development. The unique integration of custom soil amendment packages skillfully designed irrigation systems, and enhanced field drainage systems have resulted in overcoming the challenging soil conditions to provide high quality and manageable athletic facilities.
Impact
Impact
The new facilities provided students with modern amenities and have helped alleviate the pressure on the other schools in the West Ada district and ensure future growth can be accommodated. . Owyhee High School has contributed positively to the community by providing much needed, modern infrastructure to the north west part of the City of Meridian and a state-of-the-art educational facility that will support families, our community, and our state for decades to come.