SAN DIEGO—KCM Group, a leading San Diego construction management firm, recently completed work on the Urban Discovery Academy. The independent charter school promotes project-based learning, community service, Spanish-language instruction, technology and the arts. Housed in temporary venues since its opening in 2008, the new $10.5 million campus provides a permanent home for this K-8 school.
Urban Discovery Academy is located in the I.D.E.A. District of San Diego's East Village neighborhood. I.D.E.A. stands for innovation, design, education and the arts. The district was formed to promote projects that support the ability to live, work, shop and get educated in the walkable environment. The grand opening ceremony held earlier this month was attended by mayor Kevin Faulconer, city councilmember Todd Gloria, and police chief Shelly Zimmerman.
“San Diego's newest K-8 charter school, the Urban Discovery Academy, is a great asset to the I.D.E.A. District,” said Faulconer. “This new school will help more than 400 students learn the skills they need to compete in our innovation economy. It was great getting to meet some of the students and ring the school bell for its grand opening.”
KCM Group served as the Urban Discovery Academy's project manager. It handled all aspects of the bond funding, design management and construction management for the new school. This state-of-the-art, 36,000 square foot facility combined the renovation of an existing classic structure with new construction.
“The new Urban Discovery Academy building injects a modern, architecturally unique design into the landscape of the East Village,” said Gordon Kovtun, principal of KCM Group. “In addition to leaving a mark on the neighborhood for its design, the Urban Discovery Academy will shape the lives of San Diego's future leaders.”
“KCM Group was invaluable to us on this project,” said MaeLin Levine, president of the Urban Discovery Academy's governing board. “They handled everything from the bond financing to construction, and brought the project in on time and on budget.”
The school incorporates an open design, rooftop pavilion and outdoor playground that capture views of its urban environment. Bright colors and modern furnishings contrast with the vaulted ceilings and exposed brick of the original historic building to spur the creativity and innovation of both students and teachers.
KCM Group is a full-service owner's representative and consulting firm based in San Diego. Founded in 2000, KCM Group provides comprehensive construction management services for government, commercial, non-profit and residential clients. KCM Group's multidisciplinary approach also includes specialized consulting services in the areas of environmental compliance, civil engineering and planning, construction claims (avoidance + resolution), forensic analysis and litigation support.
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David Phillips
David Phillips is a Chicago-based freelance writer and consultant with more than 20 years experience in business and community news. He also has extensive reporting experience in the food manufacturing industry for national trade publications.
