BLOOMINGDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPAIR FWCS Building Renovation
RENOVATIONS AT BLOOMINGDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OCCURRED OVER THE SUMMER OF 2014 UTILIZING DESIGN-BUILD CONSTRUCTION. WORK INCLUDED BOTH EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FACILITY. A SCHOOL HAS EXISTED ON THIS SITE SINCE 1908, WITH THE ORIGINAL STRUCTURE BEING DEMOLISHED WHEN THE CURRENT FACILITY WAS BUILT IN 1964. tHIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE EXISTING BUILDING HAS RECEIVED A FULL SCALE RENOVATION.
Failing heating systems, lack of air conditioning and poorly insulated exterior walls and window systems were a significant focus of the renovation needs at bloomingdale elementary.
The single pane exterior window systems were replaced with new thermally efficient window and insulated metal panel systems. The overall amount of glass was decreased, both to add insulated wall space and to provide additional wall display surface area within the classrooms. The precast concrete walls were also treated with foam spray insulation on the interior to add to the air-tightness of the building envelope.
Security improvements are also a major component of the REPAIR FWCS program. Prior to the renovation, visitors to Bloomingdale Elementary entered directly into the main corridor and could proceed directly to any room in the building. As part of the renovation, the office and entrance vestibule areas were reconfigured so that visitors are required to enter the office to check in prior to being allowed admittance to the rest of the building.
The office area was also outfitted with a new work area for staff and a display wall where student artwork hangs proudly for parents and visitors to view.
Prior the to the renovation, the building's heating system was experiencing regular failures due to aged equipment and piping. The building also did not have air conditioning. as part of the renovation, all new energy efficient boilers were installed along with a central chiller, all new distribution piping, unit ventilators in each classroom and temperature control systems.
SINCE THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BUILDING ENVELOPE AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES, FWCS HAS REALIZED A NET DECREASE IN ENERGY COSTS at bloomingdale elementary, EVEN WITH THE ADDITION OF AIR CONDITIONING TO THE BUILDING.
The multipurpose room received new heating and cooling units, energy efficient LED lighting, a new VCT floor with integral gym floor lines, and a fresh coat of paint on walls and ceilings.
Classrooms also benefited from the heating, cooling and other thermal upgrades. Energy efficient (and brighter!) lighting replaced obsolete lighting systems. New markerboards, tackboards and audio/video projection systems were installed as teaching aids. New ceilings, flooring, and freshly painted walls complete the upgrades and provide fresh, inviting spaces for children to learn.
Teacher wardrobe and coathook/cubbie cabinets in each classroom provide storage for student outerwear, backpacks, and learning materials. As part of the security upgrades, classroom doors and hardware were provided with new secure locksets allowing staff to secure their classrooms more easily in the event of an emergency situation.
The renovations to Bloomingdale 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