Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School - Violet, Louisiana
By: Frances Putman
When Hurricane Katrina hit the Louisiana coast in August 2005, the area was devastated. Among the casualties was Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Violet, Louisiana, part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The school had massive structural damage, as well as flood damage throughout. Like other schools, churches, businesses and homes along the Gulf Coast, it had to be rebuilt. And the major goal was finding a way to get students back into classes as soon as possible.
Originally, the school was built with traditional methods-a typical brick and mortar building. But, in looking at rebuilding options, the school chose to go with modular construction. While time was needed to evaluate the options, secure funding, choose an architect and construction company, and decide on materials, the actual time of construction was only 65 days. That meant the school could be completed in time for the 2006-2007 school year. This most likely would not have been possible through the traditional construction process.
While schools have long used modular buildings for additional classroom space, often on a temporary basis, more and more are choosing modular construction for permanent structures. Typically, schools choose these structures because they can be completed quickly and at a lower cost than traditional construction.
"It's hard to say exactly what percentage of cost savings is offered with modular construction," said Sheryl Nicolay, senior sales territory manager with Resun Corporation, the company providing the modular units and construction for this project. "But, time is money."
She noted that traditional building projects can take as long as two years, and many schools don't want to-or can't-wait that long. Whether enrollment is increasing more quickly than anticipated, or there is an emergency situation like a natural disaster, there are times when a quick turnaround is crucial. Typically, using modular structures can reduce construction time by as much as 40 percent or more.
The cost savings on modular construction can be substantial as well. Our Lady of Lourdes School was rebuilt for $2 million, which included site work, foundation, canopies, electrical and plumbing systems and most everything else. The 30,960-square-foot complex includes two classroom structures-each with 12 individual rooms-an administrative building, kitchen and restroom facilities.
The project at Our Lady of Lourdes met Fema Grade Level specifications, which require buildings in the area to be 10 feet above sea level. The Harispanel exterior structure met all local, state and national codes required for permanent construction. Most importantly, perhaps for the school, the project was completed on time and on budget. Some would find that to be quite a feat, considering there were two major contractors involved.
"Teamwork allowed us to accomplish this in such a short timeframe," Nicolay said.
For this particular project, the Archdiocese involved hired its own architect, but companies like Resun can often provide all the services a school needs. That might include initial site planning, building design and layout, project management, engineering and architectural services, and even equipment and furnishings.
"We can set them up and punch them out," said Nicolay, noting that companies like Resun don't just provide the structures, but can be involved in finishing out the project.
Facilities can be configured to meet a school's needs, and many exterior options are available-like brick and siding, if schools prefer a different look. Structures can be built on concrete foundations and designed to meet the building codes in any area. Non-classroom or office areas-like cafeterias, libraries and computer labs-can be incorporated into the plan. Modular construction can be designed to include data-comm access, ADA accessibility and high-tech security systems. Resun's structures also come with a warranty, which is important to many schools.
Companies like Resun often offer financing options for schools as well. Flexible financing may be something a school needs to be able to undertake a building program. In addition to direct sales, these companies may offer financing options ranging from short-term rentals to short-term or long-term leases or even lease-purchases.
Proponents of modular construction say this method tends to be less stressful for school leaders. Because units come pre-constructed, the process tends to be simpler and less intrusive. In a traditional construction process, school leaders may have to devote more time to the project, taking away from the time they have for other school business. Nicolay said these leaders need to be spending their time where they are most needed.
"It (leading a school) is a full-time job," she said. "Dedicate it to the students. It's all about the students and giving them what they need."
The time leaders devote to a project, she added, is most necessary up front, in the planning process.
"Do your homework," she said. "Research what is available."
She also suggested those schools considering modular construction get referrals from people they trust and read the testimonials offered by companies.
"Finding the right company is the key," she said.
Since 1986, Resun Corporation, www.resuncorp.com, has provided modular space solutions across a wide range of industries and throughout the nation. The company has 32 locations throughout the United States, with experienced project teams meeting the needs of clients in government, education, commercial and health-care sectors.
Fast Facts
School:Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Location:Violet, Louisiana
Student Body:550 students
Grades Served:Pre-K through 8th grade
Project Goal: To replace buildings at the school, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina
Size: 30,960 square feet
Cost: $2 million
Challenge: The school needed to begin operating as soon as possible to get students back to class.
Solution: Our Lady of Lourdes' school leaders chose modular construction, which could provide the space and amenities they needed, but could be completed quickly and at a lower cost than traditional construction.
