Shaping Tomorrow: Barton Malow and Utica Community Schools’ Legacy of Excellence in K12 Construction
Projects
In the heart of our communities, schools stand as beacons of learning, growth, and community spirit. They are the grounds where future leaders, thinkers, and innovators take their first steps towards greatness. Understanding the pivotal role of educational facilities, Barton Malow has been at the forefront of school construction and renovation, ensuring that these institutions not only stand the test of time but also embody the spirit of innovation and excellence. Our partnership with Utica Community Schools (UCS) is a testament to this enduring commitment.
A Foundation Built on Expertise and Dedication
For decades, Barton Malow has been a beacon of excellence in K12 construction. Our expertise in school bond work has empowered us to take on projects that transform educational landscapes. Our dedicated team members lead these initiatives with passion and expertise, bringing a community’s vision to life and shaping the spaces where we live, work, play, and raise families.
Senior Project Manager Brent Bohlinger’s 30+ years of supporting district improvements are driven by his commitment to enhancing his own community. As a UCS graduate and a long-time district resident, he has not only contributed professionally but also personally, raising his children in the district.
Milestones of Progress: Bonds That Build Futures
Since 1987, Utica Community Schools has undertaken numerous bond-funded projects to enhance educational facilities. The journey began with a $70.676 million bond for media center renovations and asbestos management. In 1995, a $51.271 million bond expanded educational spaces and renovated existing buildings. In 2000, a $130 million bond focused on integrating advanced technology into the curriculum. This was followed by a $141 million bond in 2003, which modernized facilities and constructed Beacon Tree Elementary School. In 2009, a $112.5 million bond transformed Heritage Jr High with extensive renovations, including new administrative offices and gymnasiums equipped with smartboards.
Recent years saw a $155 million bond in 2018 and an unprecedented $550 million proposal in 2023 aimed at enhancing safety measures and fostering technological advancements. Each bond represents an investment in creating state-of-the-art educational experiences for future generations within Utica Community Schools.
Our current bond work with UCS continues to build on a legacy of excellence in K12 construction. The recent $550 million bond proposal in 2023 aims to enhance safety measures and foster technological advancements within the district. This bond represents a significant investment in creating state-of-the-art educational experiences for future generations.
Innovating for Tomorrow: Engaging Minds Beyond the Classroom
Over the years, we have supported the district and its students in numerous ways. One notable initiative is our support for UCS’s annual 6th-grade Career Focus Luncheon, where professionals from various positions sit with 6th-grade students to discuss their career aspirations and the paths that lead to careers at Barton Malow. These engagements not only shape the district but also positively impact our region, highlighting the importance Barton Malow places on supporting the community at every step.
Barton Malow continues to innovate and look towards the future by involving students in the construction and design process, providing them with invaluable hands-on learning experiences. Historically, we have engaged students in various ways, but more recently, we have organized a series of site visits that allow students to explore a future in construction.
During a recent visit to the Rose Kidd jobsite, students in skilled trades and architecture classes had the opportunity to discuss career paths and educational backgrounds with professionals in various positions at Barton Malow, including Trade positions, Project Executive, Project Manager, Superintendent, Project Coordinator, and even Marketing + Communications. These interactions left the students inspired and excited about their futures in the construction and architecture fields.
We proudly continue our partnership with the district, focusing on enhancing educational outcomes through our construction expertise and supporting students in achieving their academic goals. We honor our longstanding legacy within the district and the significant projects we have undertaken. This fall, as part of our Centennial celebrations, we are privileged to support the inaugural class of Utica Community Schools’ legacy of excellence. To commemorate our rich history together, we eagerly anticipate gathering in September to celebrate the contributions of Utica Community Schools community members.
A Century of Building, A Legacy of Impact
As we reflect on our centennial milestone, we take pride in our impact on communities and our role in shaping the future of education. Our work with Utica Community Schools is more than a partnership; it’s a shared mission to build environments that nurture the minds that will build tomorrow. Barton Malow remains dedicated to this mission, forging a path of excellence for the next century.
