Poettker Construction recently completed the $15 million renovation of Effingham Junior High School. The district engaged Poettker’s construction manager team along with designer FGM Architects to conduct extensive renovations of an existing 112,000-square-foot building over three phases to improve accessibility, enhance safety and security, and provide a 21st century modern learning environment for students.

“Poettker’s reputation in school construction was instrumental in the district’s decision to use them as the construction manager for this project,” said Mark Doan, Effingham CUSD #40 Superintendent. “From their corporate office to the field and on-site work, they had constant oversight of the project’s quality control, safety performance, and time management. As a superintendent who is overseeing a project like this, you have to be able to trust the people you work with, and Poettker was that natural fit.”

At the Effingham Jr. High School, major renovations were required with zero space available to relocate the 650 enrolled students and staff during extended construction periods. The Poettker Team coordinated with the district on a phased construction schedule to take place during summer months only. Poettker was able to fast-track the construction schedule to accomplish the complete renovation of classrooms, common use areas, gymnasium, auditorium, administrative offices, and science and art labs.

“When Effingham approached Poettker with the request to renovate every corner of the three story 80-year-old facility, we were certainly up for the challenge,” said Jon Carroll, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer with Poettker Construction. “Even when COVID presented major scheduling and materials sourcing challenges, our team proudly met the challenge with zero safety incidents.”