Mill Creek Academy, a tuition-free public charter school, is the first school built by National Heritage Academies in Wisconsin and the 101st developed by this nationwide organization. The building’s footprint is in the shape of an “H,” allowing natural light into each classroom. Hosting grades 4K through 8, this school features over 30 classrooms, student support areas, administrative spaces, and a large gymnasium in the middle. The classroom design supports Mill Creek Academy’s goal of small group instruction, independent learning practices, and one-on-one teaching. Lap siding accented by stone masonry creates the exterior façade, while cedar trusses and beams provide an inviting entrance to the school. Based on the traditional congestion associated with student drop-off and pick-up, Mill Creek Academy took an innovative approach by implementing multiple drop-off lanes and safe exchange areas, enabling staff to welcome students and parents during busy times. The water table was extremely high on the undeveloped land, so we constructed four bio-retention ponds to overcome this obstacle. As a nationwide charter school organization, we were thrilled to hear this was one of their best building experiences over the past 28 years!

After a lengthy selection process and approved referendum, Kraemer Brothers was awarded the aquatics renovation project for the Kickapoo Area School District located in Viola, Wisconsin. This project encompassed remodeling existing space in the Lee Griffin Pool to include locker rooms, a multi-purpose room, and a natatorium. Also part of the project are equipment and pool storage rooms, laundry/treatment rooms, and a basement housing the mechanical equipment used to run the pool and newly renovated space. Since the new pool’s depth and length decreased, an extensive amount of backfill was required to ensure a solid foundation for the concrete floor pour in the multipurpose room and the new pool floor. Adding a refresh to the pool, it received new tile, coatings, markings, drain and filtration piping, and a new filtration equipment system. New wall coverings and tile matching the Kickapoo Panther’s school colors was installed throughout the natatorium as well as glass windows for viewing and natural lighting. When the project finished, Kickapoo Area School District received a new 41’ x 34’ ADA compliant pool, new refurbished locker rooms, storage and treatment rooms, and a 1,600 square foot multipurpose room that is available for the school and community to use for wrestling competitions and practices, exercise classes, community meetings, activity training, and other scheduled events.

With the fall semester of 2021 fast approaching, Kraemer Brothers finished up the multi-year project for the Mineral Point School District on schedule, providing an exciting start to the school year! With the elementary school located on a steep, rocky hill in the middle of a residential neighborhood, careful site planning and extensive structural engineering was required during the construction process. The two-story addition features a new gymnasium and library/media center, while the existing school was remodeled to make way for updated offices, classrooms, and a cafeteria. Creating one cohesive look, Kraemer Brothers removed decades-old floor and wall tile, and replaced it with new tile and wood flooring that matches Mineral Point’s school colors, bringing extra pep to the school. To complete the transition from the existing building to the addition, a connecting bridge-walkway with a large, peaked glass roof was constructed for natural daylighting and an updated modern look.  In an effort to make the new building energy efficient, MEP upgrades and automatic light fixtures with zoned lighting were added to freshen up this vintage elementary school, presenting a brand-new school feel.

Early in the pre-referendum process, Kraemer Brothers assisted in gathering ideas and needs of the school district through committee and board meetings and community design charettes. One of the most important components of the project was bringing the overall building up to code, which included new ADA compliant restrooms and locker rooms. This project also consisted of a new physical education area, community pool, and a 23,700 square foot gymnasium. Renovations included much-needed storage, community fitness center expansion, and an expansion of the student dining and commons areas. With an eye towards hosting larger events, the new gym allows for increased school and community use. With the school located near two hills, Kraemer Brothers addressed multiple issues including a redesign of the site for appropriate stormwater management and a new traffic and parking flow pattern. Even with all of the obstacles during this project, Kraemer Brothers was able to keep the school operational and safe for student’s and staff. HVAC upgrades, partial roof replacement, security upgrades, office renovations, a restroom addition at the elementary school, and partial window replacement were also part of this project. Go Pirates!