Harris Elementary School REPAIR FWCS Building Renovation
RENOVATIONS AT harris ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OCCURRED OVER THE SUMMER OF 2014 UTILIZING DESIGN-BUILD CONSTRUCTION. WORK INCLUDED BOTH EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FACILITY. The building first opened in 1968, with an addition constructed in 1980. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE BUILDING HAS RECEIVED A FULL SCALE RENOVATION.
A major component of the REPAIR FWCS program is the replacement of aged and failing heating infrastructure. The boilers at Harris Elementary had been replaced previously as part of an ongoing maintenance project, but the distribution piping and HVAC units within the classrooms were in need of replacement. New distribution piping for the central boilers and new central chiller system was installed throughout the building.
Another major component of the program was the addition of air conditioning at previously unconditioned buildings. A new central chiller was installed as part of the project to provide cooling to the building.
New vertical unit ventilators (white unit to the right in the photograph) were installed in every classroom to replace the old horizontal unit ventilators. Not only are these units more efficient and quieter than the previous units, but they also have a smaller footprint allowing for more available floor space within the classrooms.
Heating and cooling systems are only as efficient as the building envelope that separates the interior spaces from the exterior environment. The renovations at Harris Elementary made several improvements to the exterior building envelope, including replacement of single pane window and panel systems and added insulation at all exterior walls.
Inefficent single pane window and panel systems (to the right in the main photo) were replaced with new thermally insulated window systems and the exterior walls received added insulation.
Classrooms not only received the benefit of new heating and cooling. obsolete and substandard lighting was replaced with new energy efficient lighting. asbestos containing floor tiles were removed/abated and replaced with new vct flooring and carpet. chalkboards were replaced with new marker and tackboards and projection systems, and new storage cubbies and teacher wardrobes were added.
Upon installation of the new infrastructure systems, the corridors received new ceilings, lighting, paint and tackstrips to display student work. Classroom doors were replaced and installed with new security locksets, allowing for safe, easy locking of doors during emergency situations. Terrazzo floors were stripped of wax, sealed and polished with a low maintenance, no wax finish.
Building security is also a focus of the repair fwcs program. as part of the renovation, the entry vestibule to the building was enlarged and a door added from the vestibule into the office. the inner vestibule doors are locked at all times, making it necessary for all visitors to the building to enter through the office and be checked in prior to being allowed entry to the rest of the building.
The renovations to Harris Elementary School, along with full renovations at 9 other school buildings, the addition of chillers at 6 additional buildings, window replacements at 8 additional buildings and partial roof replacements at 27 buildings was made possible by the support of our community. THANK YOU FORT WAYNE!
For more information on the REPAIR FWCS program, please visit us at