The Central Transportation Facility, located on an 8.9-acre site in Kinloch, Missouri, was one of three transportation facilities owned and operated by the Special School District of St. Louis County. The 22,460 square foot single-story building replaced an outdated leased facility that could no longer provide adequate space for the administrative staff, mechanics, and drivers.
With superior access to the bus routes that served the central geographic region of the Special School District, the Kinloch site proved an excellent parcel for development. The site’s typography and configuration allowed for numerous bus and automobile parking options as well as ample space for a building ranging up to 30,000 gross square feet. The final design accommodated circulation and parking for 96 buses and 141 automobiles. Site amenities included complete perimeter security fencing, electronic building and site surveillance systems, exterior security lighting, above-grade fuel tanks, heavy duty pavement for high traffic areas, and below-grade storm water detention structures.
The full masonry structure was arranged in three functional areas: administrative operations, maintenance and storage, and driver’s support. Because of the variety of work functions, the building was classified under the guidelines of the building code as a “mixed-use occupancy." At a construction cost of approximately $9,225,000, the facility was completed in Spring of 2024.
Built in 1924, South Side Elementary is the oldest elementary facility in the Champaign School District. The original facility was designed during a time when children would walk to and from school, and aside from technological upgrades, few changes had been made to modernize the building since its original construction.
Faced with outdated high school facilities, an extensive community engagement planning process identified and assisted in prioritizing needs; ensuring a successful plan.
Understanding that early childhood students demand a different type of learning environment than their elementary school peers, the City of St. Charles School District established criteria for their new facility that was based on sensory learning, movement, imagination, and nature.