Oak Hammock Middle School, Fort Myers, Fla.

Oak Hammock Middle School is a newly constructed facility that launched in Fall, 2008. It was built on the site of a demolished elementary school. Before its opening, middle school students in the district attended class in a high school. An Advanced Concept School, Oak Hammock Middle School accommodates 1,200 students, and features such state-of-the-art amenities as eight fully-equipped science labs, food court-style cafeteria, industrial arts lab with attached computer lab, and a TV studio.

Having previously worked with Contrax Furnishings in supplying solutions for another facility, Oak Hammock’s principal specifically asked for the company when awarding the project contract.

Contrax Furnishings’ project manager met with the school’s general contractor to immediately begin coordinating their efforts. The School District of Lee County’s longstanding relationship with Contrax Furnishings was also beneficial to the process. The company knows the standard of furniture the school district requires, as well as the budget available.

"Whether it’s a new school starting up, or a 20-or 30-room addition, Contrax Furnishings knows the standards we have, and keeps the choices comparable, dollar-wise," said a School District of Lee County staff member. "They already know what we want."

Contrax Furnishings worked with the school architect in space planning, as well as the selection of colors and textures – and pointing out instances in which certain choices could be an issue in terms of performance or aesthetics.

Contrax Furnishings assumed ownership of project logistics, meeting the principal and assistant principal on the site of the new school or the high school so as not to cause them inconvenience during the hectic construction stage.

Because staff hiring was to begin at the school, Contrax Furnishings installed all administrative and conference room furniture in time for interviews. The company even loaned Oak Hammock Middle School furniture so the principal could conduct interviews in appropriately outfitted rooms.

Although the project was completed before the start of the 2008-2009 school year, the school district chose not to disrupt the middle school students by opening sooner. Oak Hammock Middle School students arriving on the first day of school were greeted by an academic setting truly worthy of its status as an Advanced Concept School.