Category: News
New Pacific Library Opening
Posted By Sapp Design – Sep 29 | 2018
The new Pacific Branch of Scenic Regional Library opened on September 29th, 2018. This new 10,000 Sf Community focuses library has two meeting rooms, two shaded patios, cafe, fireplace, self-check system, a teen gaming area and even a 55-in touchscreen tablet with literacy games.
The new Pacific branch of Scenic Regional Library was part of an approved a two-year $12.8 Million plan to replace and/or upgrade seven branch libraries, covering three rural counties just west of St. Louis. As library design experts Sapp Design served as the Design Architect of Record to work with the various communities and Library Director, Steve Campbell, to create new landmark Libraries, each one being unique to their community while at the same time having a consistent “brand” or image throughout the library district.
MCPL Ground Breaking
Posted By Sapp Design – Aug 3 | 2018
$500M development planned in south Springfield
Posted By Sapp Design – Jul 12 | 2018
BY: GEOFF PICKLE, July 12, 2018
A 100-acre development estimated to be valued at more than $500 million when completed is in the planning stages for south Springfield.
Just south of The Library Center on Campbell Avenue, RW Developments is under contract to buy 94 acres of mostly vacant farmland from the Ward family. The acquisition of another 6 acres on the south end of The Library Center from the Springfield-Greene County Library District is in negotiations, Williams said, declining to disclose purchase prices.
Plans call for 60 acres of commercial space for potential tenants including restaurants, hotels, offices, retail centers and lofts, as well as bike trails and natural elements to form a park-like environment. On the back 40 acres, RW Developments plans to open a senior living continuum-of-care community.
“We’ve got a substantial amount of interest on the front end from tenants. We have quite a bit of office space that people have already put a lot of interest in,” he said. “It’s exceeded all of our expectations.”
RW Developments is targeting 2021 for completion of the 60-acre commercial end of The Ridge. He declined to estimate an opening date for the senior-living center, which relies on state approval for a certificate of need.
A rendering for The Ridge shows a development that wraps around The Library Center going south past Weaver Road. The area is south of the Campbell Avenue and James River Freeway interchange.
Sapp Design Associates Architects PC is the project architect for the development, with engineering work by Olsson Associates Inc. Williams said attorney Shawn Whitney of Spencer Fane LLP also has been instrumental in the front-end work.
Mid-Continent Public Library Launches $113M Capital Plan
Posted By Sapp Design – Jun 28 | 2018
Serving more than 800,000 people in Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties, Mid Continent Public Library (MCPL) is the largest library system in the Kansas City Metro Area and one of the largest in the country. Over the last year, the design team of Sapp Design Architects and Helix Architecture + Design has been working with MCPL to prepare for the official launch of their capital program, which kicked off in May.
Funded by the overwhelming passage of Proposition L in 2016, MCPL is investing $113 million dollars into enhancing all 31 existing branches and constructing two new locations. Of the 31 existing branches, MCPL will be replacing four with new buildings, expanding three with substantial building additions and renovating all 24 others. While the upgrades at each branch vary based on individual community needs and the building’s current condition, the improvements will help ensure that branches serve the needs of modern library users.
Sapp and Helix are working collaboratively to bring the firms’ combined expertise with 21st-century libraries, architecture and interior design to each branch. As technology has increasingly become our conduit to knowledge, public libraries are evolving into community centers and cultural hubs that offer a wide variety of services and programs. MCPL and design team members from Helix and Sapp held a series of 29 public meetings to gather input from library users. These meetings helped inform the programs, spaces, and technologies that will be most impactful for each branch and the community it serve
MCPL and the Sapp | Helix design team worked closely with Construction Manager, JE Dunn Construction to develop a phased approach to construction. Phase I projects, which kicked off in June, include the Blue Springs South Branch, Excelsior Springs Branch, Antioch Branch and Midwest Genealogy Center. Additional Phase I projects will kick-off this summer, including the Oak Grove, Weston, and Platte City branches. During the renovations, customers will be directed to alternate locations to conduct their Library business.
Phase II is anticipated to kick off in Fall of 2018 and Phases III and IV in 2019. The library is targeting completion of all upgrades by 2022. The latest updates on projects can be found at www.mymcpl.org/community
2nd First Watch Coming!
Posted By Sapp Design – Jun 1 | 2018
First Watch, the popular breakfast, and lunch Chain, that opened it’s first Springfield location in October 2017. Since that time the location has broke records and is a top 10 performer out of 310 locations!
The success of the first location lead developers Joseph Hulston and James Tillman to open a second location on East Sunshine and Plaza. Not only will this new location serve morning cocktails, the Architects at Sapp Design have given the brand a new modern look, which is a departure from the brand’s typical urban farm stylings. Our team could not be more pleased to work with this great group!
Welcoming Jade Johnson!
Posted By Sapp Design – May 18 | 2018
Sapp Design is excited to announce that Jade Johnson has joined our team as an architectural designer after graduating from Drury University Master of Architecture with minors in Design Arts and Fine Arts.
Jade’s passion for design started at a very young age initially with interior design but quickly grew into a holistic love for buildings as a whole with belief that design has the ability to inspire and cultivate creative spaces for all types of users to enjoy.
Goodman Elementary Moves Forward!
Posted By Sapp Design – May 4 | 2018
The Neosho School Board approved the designs for the new Goodman Elementary and is expected to open summer of 2019.
On the evening of Tuesday, April 4th, 2017, a tornado destroyed a majority of the only school in Goodman, Missouri. After losing homes, businesses, and their Elementary School, the town’s roughly 1,200 residents in McDonald County were ready to rebuild. Sapp Design was selected to help Goodman get its elementary school back after providing the district with the Neosho Jr. High School just one year previous.
The old elementary school lacked the appropriate amount of classroom space, having to resort to mobile trailers, and sat dangerously close to the railroad tracks to the south. The new school, around 45,000 ft2, will not only have enough general classroom space for all 400 students (existing and future) but will also have areas for collaborative teaching and learning spaces accessible to everyone. The second phase of this project will include a FEMA safe room purposed as a gymnasium.
The residents of Goodman have come together to rebuild their community as a collective group of family, friends, and neighbors. Similarly, the design enables students to learn in a school that feels like a community: classrooms are approached through an open and collaborative space, rather than a typical corridor. Visibility within the classrooms is not only to the exterior but also to the shared areas in the core of the building. The ceilings of these core collaborative spaces are taller, a different material, and have altered proportions from those of a typical classroom. All of these changes will remind students that even though they may be in a classroom with just 20 others students, there is a much larger space just outside the door: one shared by all students; one that can function as a special classroom, one that can inspire students to really embrace their community and their fellow students.
Master Planning To Project Planning
Posted By Sapp Design – Mar 16 | 2018
Over the last year, Sapp Design has been excited to have been contracted by School of the Osage (SOTO) to develop a District Master Plan that would address the need of their 2,000 students and includes both of their campuses, four of their existing buildings, and all of their properties. The purpose of the plan was to evaluate the current utilization of educational spaces and campus layouts, taking into consideration projected future changes in enrolment. The plan was also intended to evaluate the existing conditions of the facilities.
The primary objective of this master plan was to determine the most educationally-effective and resource-efficient way to accommodate the students, teachers, and administrators of this facility. The process was focused on that goal throughout.
The process was initiated with a study of the demographic nature of the Community and District. Analysis of the facilities was also conducted to promote a safe, secure and comfortable environment for all involved. Growth was projected, program needs were assessed, and planning schemes were developed and coupled with funding options in order to achieve a logical and affordable planning solution.
Several alternative directions were developed. From these, Sapp Design, the School of the Osage School Board and Facility Planning Committee – with input and direction from community, faculty, and students – determined the most effective scenario.
The final Master Plan is a culmination of months of research, analysis, and planning evaluations. The Master Plan uses the findings from previous scenarios to create a ten-year plan allowing for flexibility in balancing the needs of the School District. One of the most important aspects of a Master Plan is the flexibility it provides. This plan can be modified beyond the ten-year period to coordinate with the School District’s funding.
Flexibility
In anticipation of the growing momentum toward “Next Gen Learning Environments,” as well as the fluctuations in enrolment experienced by the School of the Osage, flexibility has been a continuous factor in determining the longevity and multi-functionality of existing spaces. The objective to provide and maintain a level of flexibility in all of the existing and planned facilities has been influential in our recommendation for the Master Plan.
“Grow” into the Building
The Master Plan assessment assumes that there may be fluctuation in enrolment, as well as changes in educational methods and course content throughout the next ten years that may not be accounted for in today’s educational environment. These considerations indicate that the buildings should account for more than minimum standards. It is important during the master planning process to account for these considerations by recommending a solution that will allow School of the Osage to “grow” into their buildings instead of meeting a minimum standard with little room for growth or flexibility.
Final Recommendations
The Master Plan Final Recommendations revealed the need for over 30 projects ranging from small renovations to major building additions to new facilities. The majority of these projects are managed to strategically time construction work and completion dates during summer months. In addition, the projects are sequenced to complete facilities and allow for the existing buildings to remain occupied during construction with minimal disruption.
The scope of projects includes major renovations to the High School Performing Arts areas, a new Technology and Arts addition – including an integrated STEM lab; athletic improvements, an overall campus design including a new Field House, and a new 
Concessions buildings. Also included are interior renovations, field improvements, civil improvements, electric service replacements, ADA upgrades, Safety and Security measures, and a new Early Childhood Center / Daycare facility.
Presenting At EdSpaces
Posted By bsapp – Oct 29 | 2017
This year Sapp Design was proud to present “Next Gen Education” at Ed Spaces 2017 National Conference to a crowd of dedicated educations, designers, independent manufacturers, and corporations. Our presentation focused on the science of learning, the impact of technology on education, potential partnerships in education, and review ed trends in the design of Next Generation Schools from Pre-K to 12th grade. We even showed off the new Springfield Public Schools Sherwood Elementary and their partnership with the Boys and Girls Club and talk about how is low energy design is performing in the top 5% of all schools in the United States according to Energy Star stats.
EDspaces is the premier event for the educational facilities marketplace to learn about trends and experience the latest products and services to enhance student learning.
Education leadership will join together to explore leadership challenges, strengthen skills, and build networks at ED spaces. This year speaker line up was people who advocate passionately about the power of education to equalize, uplift, and motivate. The conference also offered various breakout sessions throughout the day. Attendees choose areas of focus and then had the opportunity to dive deeper into issues we face as we work to transform education so all students have the chance to succeed. this conference was designed to encourage networking and give participants a chance to forge lifelong professional connections throughout the education sector and experience new product innovations.
New Round FEMA Funding!
Posted By bsapp – Jul 6 | 2017
POTENTIAL NEW ROUND OF FEMA GRANTS!!
The State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is soliciting Hazard Mitigation Project Proposals. Your District may have received a letter from SEMA regarding requests for Notice of Interest for DR-4317 disaster declaration.
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM: Through the Hazardous Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Fema Funding for Safe Rooms can cover up to 75% of the cost for constructing a facility that will provide near absolute protection during an EF-5 Tornado. HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOU? Our Team of Safe Room Experts is ready to help your district take the first step in pursuing a FEMA Safe Room Grant by submitting your Notice of Interest or NOI to FEMA/SEMA. Call us for an initial consultation and NOI Submission at NO COST to you. We are happy to explain the process of submitting for a safe room grant. THERE HAS TO BE A CATCH! Nope no catch! Our Team is dedicated to assisting Districts and Communities across the State to provide Safe Refuge for our Children and Residents with FEMA 361 Safe Room Facilities. This specialized experience has armed our Team with the tools to successfully lead clients through all aspects of this Grant Program. We have the knowledge to help clients maximize their funds and administer their grant with ease. Our Team is more than Safe Room Experts, with 30 years of educational planning experience we can assist your District not only in pursuing a grant, but help identify the best secondary use for a new safe room that is thoughtfully programmed into your current or new facilities.
Classrooms | Auditoriums | Gymnasiums | Cafeterias | Libraries | Performing Arts Centers | Band Rooms | Locker Rooms | Multi-Purpose Rooms | Early Childhood Centers
EXPERIENCED TEAM Collectively our Team has over 130 Safe Rooms Built, under Construction or in process and our expertise as one of the leading Teams in the State on Safe Rooms can make building a safe room at your campus a simple process. Sapp Design has been a regular presenter on safe rooms at Missouri Safe Schools and MSBA over the last several years. Many districts are not aware that the new 2015 International Building Code (IBC) requires all Educational Facilities to provide a safe room designed to ICC 500 standards in any new additions or new construction to protect students and staff. A safe room grant can not only help protect your children, but help districts comply with new model building codes for any of your future expansions. SERVICES In addition to our expertise with Safe Rooms some of the services we can bring to your District are Master Planning, Capital Improvements, New Facilities, Renovations/Additions, Capital Campaigns, Safety and Security Enhancements, Energy Assessments and a variety of other services serving School Districts.