Heights Elementary School, Fort Myers, Fla.

Opened in Spring of 2008, Heights Elementary School’s new building replaces the original structure built in 1961. Of course, not only does the new K-5 school feature a greater student capacity – 1,300 compared to 750 – but it incorporates all of the technological and design amenities essential in a 21st century educational facility.

Heights Elementary School was one of three new school buildings in Lee County to open in 2008 that Contrax Furnishings supplied with a complete turnkey solution.

The project presented a special challenge to Contrax Furnishings because the facility was scheduled to open after Spring Break instead of in Fall, as is typical. The new building was constructed on the property of the original school, which had been demolished. Classes were held in portables during demolition and construction. Because of the unusual deadline and work schedule, furniture had to be installed while construction was still taking place.

From the beginning, Contrax Furnishings’ project manager worked with the school’s general contractor and IT department to plan space and accommodate the installation of computer equipment, A/V equipment, and their accompanying cables and wires. While Contrax Furnishings was in the planning process to install overhead projectors, the project manager received word that the configuration had significantly changed. The Contrax Furnishings team lost no time in modifying the plans accordingly, despite the sudden notice.

All the while, Lee County school district staff was able to track progress and communicate with Contrax Furnishings’ personnel on a 24/7 basis through the company’s online A+ Project Management System. The system allows clients to view and manage project information from the time of sale to final installation – including inventory counts and project layouts. The A+ Project Management System also provides for team communication in planning and design through collaborative tools and online conferencing.

Because school construction was underway during furniture installation, the Contrax Furnishings team encountered situations that required resourceful solutions: for example, when they had to move furniture from the truck to inside the school before the front sidewalks were installed. The Contrax Furnishings team built its own walkway from wooden pallets, enabling a smooth, successful delivery.

Contrax Furnishings met deadlines in all stages of installation. After installing computer furniture and multimedia stations, the school’s IT department followed immediately to install computers and related equipment. Teachers started moving in the week before Spring Break, and Heights Elementary School was ready to open its brand-new doors to students after the holiday.

Attributing the ease in making opening day deadline to Contrax Furnishings, one School District of Lee County staff member said, "Contrax Furnishings jumped in with both feet. Their team was always willing to work with our general contractor and subs to get it done, whatever the job took. They go above and beyond."