In Difficult Ecomomy Spartanburg Day School Makes Significant Market Impact
August 22, 2010
SPARTANBURG, SC – August 22, 2010 – During these trying economic times the Spartanburg Day School’s investments of its capital campaign funds are serving as a major contribution to the local construction industry. The school has pumped close to $20 million into the Spartanburg economy on facilities upgrades over the past four years. These improvements employed on average 125 construction workers on each of three projects constructed since 2007 as well as the new Upper School building completing in June 2011.
In essence, students at the Spartanburg Day School will return to a virtually new school on August 24. This significant facilities enhancement began with the addition of $2.5 million athletic fields just a little over four years ago. Since then the school has continued to morph dramatically with the addition of its $2,785,000 Dining Commons, $3,575,000 Athletic Complex, the $3,435,000 “green” facilities upgrade, and the $4,795,000 new Upper School scheduled for completion next summer.
Harper Corporation, general contractor for the Day School’s projects, employed all local (Upstate community) subcontractors and suppliers spanning from Spartanburg to Easley, SC at a time when construction markets have steadily declined and construction revenues in the residential and commercial sectors have been reduced by 40%.
The only vendors used from outside the Upstate include suppliers for some athletic equipment and bleachers. These projects conform to the regional supplier requirements in the LEED certification process.
“We enjoyed a very strong presence of Spartanburg subcontractors and suppliers. SDS purchased its construction at a very attractive pricing point,” said David Wise, a division manager for Harper Corp.
Upon completion of the new Upper School and the construction that began just four years ago, Spartanburg Day School will have added 55,000 square feet of new buildings, renovated 78,000 square feet of space, reorganized and constructed 15 acres of playing fields, improved parking patterns and parking dramatically, and qualified for 125,000 square feet of LEED certified buildings.
The school’s headmaster, Chris Dorrance, said, “We are a small but important part of the greater Spartanburg community. Our trustees and stakeholders have chosen to make a significant investment in Spartanburg’s future in the midst of uncertain economic times. We believe a quality education holds the key to this city’s future.”
Website: Spartanburg Day School
