Upper Dublin High School Upper Dublin, Pa.

PROJECT COST: $119.2 Million

Voters passed a $119.2-million referendum in 2007 to allowed the School District of Upper Dublin, in suburban Philadelphia, to borrow funds to build a new high school. Work got under way last summer.

Danielle Hoffer of Gilbert Architects of Lancaster, Pa., who designed the building and worked to educate taxpayers about the need for the school, said in a written release that it was the first time Pennsylvania has allowed “building by referendum.”

D’Huy Engineering of Bethlehem, Pa., is providing construction management services. The school district awarded Skepton Construction, Pennsburg, Pa., a $65.7-million contract to construct the school.

The new school features enhanced music spaces, enlarged performing-arts facilities, expanded science labs, an expanded swimming pool facility, additional physical education facilities, up-to-date technology, greater safety and improved heating and cooling systems.

An environmentally-friendly design will reduce energy and operating costs, according to the architects. The project team strives for LEED-silver certification. Green features include a geothermal system, with 305 wells 400 ft deep, heat recovery units, lighting control with occupancy sensors, reflective coating on the roofs and 3-in. sprayed insulation on the exterior walls.

Skepton demolished the former high school to make way for the new one and recycled materials. Concrete-related waste was crushed onsite and used as fill and to construct the new building pad.

Skepton plans to turn over the gymnasium and pool this year, the classroom and offices by the end of 2010 and the auditorium and music rooms in 2011.

Key Players

Owner: School District of Upper Dublin
Construction Management: D’Huy Engineering, Bethlehem, Pa.
Contractor: Skepton Construction, Pennsburg, Pa.
Architect: Gilbert Architects, Lancaster, Pa.