Preparatory Academy

Giffels Webster was part of a Design Build Team for a new Detroit Public School – East English Village Preparatory Academy. This project included the redevelopment of the existing school site and an adjacent park owned by the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department. The entire project was designed for LEED Gold Certification and sustainable design tenants were followed. The 530 vehicle parking lots were constructed on site to accommodate both the student and facility parking needs, along with separated parking facilities for events at the new football and track stadium.

In addition to parking and building services the campus was developed with multiple active athletic fields. Two softball fields, four tennis courts, a football field and synthetic track were all design to MHSAA and/or national athletic standards. The synthetic track and synthetic football field required extensive fine grading and the design of intricate below grade drainage systems.

This project included the need to vacate City of Detroit rights-of-way and relocated existing utilities to allow for the new building’s placement on site. Innovative storm water and sanitary sewer pipe design reduced construction costs 50% by utilizing the existing on site sewers to the maximum capacity. The surrounding sidewalk network was also upgraded and brought into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.