New Architect Chosen for Frederick Douglass Elementary School Project

The Wilson County Board of Education has taken a significant step forward in the development of the new Frederick Douglass Elementary School. They have selected Oakley Collier Architects of Rocky Mount as the new architectural firm for the project. This decision comes after a rigorous selection process involving eight architectural firms, each presenting their qualifications and vision for the school.

The board’s unanimous decision was influenced by budget constraints and the historical significance of the school. The new Frederick Douglass Elementary School is set to be a legacy facility that honors its rich history while meeting modern educational needs.

Selection Process and Budget Considerations

The selection process for the new architectural firm was thorough and competitive. Eight firms presented their qualifications and proposals during a special all-day meeting. The board members, led by Chairwoman Christine Fitch, evaluated each presentation based on several criteria.

These criteria included the ability to meet the project’s budget and the firm’s vision for incorporating the school’s historical legacy.

Narrowing Down the Candidates

After the presentations, the board quickly narrowed down the pool of candidates to two firms: Oakley Collier Architects and SfL+a Architects. These firms were the only ones confident in their ability to meet the construction budget of approximately $26.7 million.

Ultimately, Oakley Collier Architects was selected due to their strong proposal and commitment to honoring the school’s history.

Historical Significance of Frederick Douglass Elementary School

Frederick Douglass Elementary School has a rich history that dates back to its opening in 1939. Initially called Frederick Douglass High School, it served African American students in Wilson County.

The school’s name was changed to Elm City Elementary School in 1970 following the consolidation of the Elm City and Wilson school systems to comply with integration requirements. In 2018, the Wilson County Board of Education restored the school’s original name, recognizing its historical significance.

The Role of the Alumni Association

The Frederick Douglass High School Alumni Association played a crucial role in restoring the school’s name. Their efforts highlighted the importance of preserving the school’s legacy, which was a key factor in the board’s decision to select an architectural firm that could incorporate this history into the new design.

Ann Collier of Oakley Collier Architects emphasized the importance of creating a “legacy facility” during the interview process.

Budget and Project Scope

The budget for the new Frederick Douglass Elementary School is a critical factor in the project’s development. The Wilson County commissioners have allotted a $32 million budget for the school, which includes design fees, furnishings, demolition, and site work from previous obligations.

This budget ensures that the project can move forward without financial constraints, allowing for a comprehensive and well-planned development.

Previous Architectural Firm

Nearly a month ago, the board severed ties with Skinner, Farlow, and Kirwan Architects, the firm initially chosen in April 2022 to design the elementary school. The decision was made due to differences in opinion on how to proceed with the project. The district and the firm agreed to a $495,000 settlement.

Despite the termination, Skinner, Farlow, and Kirwan’s schematic and basic design work and construction documents were 85% complete. However, their last design was anticipated to exceed the budget, prompting the need for a new architectural firm.

Future Steps and Timeline

With the selection of Oakley Collier Architects, the project is set to move forward. However, no specific timeline for the next steps has been established.

The board and the architectural firm will need to collaborate closely to develop a detailed plan and timeline for the project’s completion. The goal is to create a school that can accommodate 400 students with a 600-student core area capacity and a shovel-ready design for future expansions.

Current Status and Expenditures

Frederick Douglass students are currently attending classes at the former Toisnot Middle School. Demolition and initial site work at the Douglass’ Lake Wilson Road site have been completed, with expenditures totaling $1.7 million for these activities.

The project is now poised to move into the design and construction phases, with the new architectural firm leading the way.

Conclusion

The selection of Oakley Collier Architects marks a significant milestone in the development of the new Frederick Douglass Elementary School. The firm’s commitment to honoring the school’s historical legacy while meeting modern educational needs aligns with the board’s vision for the project.

With a clear budget and a dedicated architectural firm, the Wilson County Board of Education is on track to create a legacy facility that will serve the community for generations to come.

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