Challenge:
A Charter School in Southeast Michigan faced significant enrollment growth due to the charter school’s success. Space needs for expansion were finalized, and it was determined that the school needed 10 additional Classrooms by the start of the Fall semester. The school also wanted a permanent facility that architecturally fit in with the surrounding area.

Innovative Modular Solutions (IMS) representatives met with school administrators, the educational management company and the project architect to discuss the cost of installation and operation associated with the use of modular buildings to meet their space needs. The costs associated with a permanent brick structure were also discussed.

Alternatives Reviewed:

1. Design, bid and build a school addition - not feasible due to cost and time
   constraints.
2. Relocation of the entire school to an alternative site - not practical due to limited availability and cost of  renovation.
3. Install used modular Classroom buildings - none that met the school’s desired
    level of quality or functionality were available.
4. Install an IMS ‘Scholar Series Plus’ building - the preferred Innovative Modular
    Solution.

Solution:
The School contracted with IMS for the modular building in the Spring. The building was occupied by the beginning of the following school year. The building was initially leased with the intention of eventual purchase. Once purchased by the school, brick siding and a site-constructed roof were installed. Benefits of the solution:

• Combination of conventional and modular construction met the owner’s
  requirement for appearance, while providing the advantages of modular
  construction - speed and cost.
• Allows school expansion and provides an excellent education environment.
• Exterior finishes (brick siding and standing seam hip roof) were designed to blend well with all of the   facilities on the owner’s site.