Project description
Cator, Ruma & Associates provided full mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology engineering services for the replacement of Carlson Elementary School (Building 103) for Clear Creek School District. The project replaced an aging facility with a modern elementary school designed to support student learning, staff operations, and long-term district stewardship.
CRA’s scope included comprehensive MEPT design for classrooms, administration areas, gymnasium, cafeteria, kitchen, and support spaces, with systems tailored to varied occupancy patterns, acoustic sensitivity, comfort needs, and life safety requirements typical of an elementary school environment. Mechanical systems incorporated rooftop air handling units, heating and ventilation strategies for large assembly spaces, unit ventilators and fan coils, hydronic reheat, boiler replacement, and building-wide direct digital controls. Electrical and technology systems supported interior and exterior lighting, emergency power, fire alarm, security, audiovisual systems, and campus connectivity infrastructure.
Throughout construction, CRA supported the district through multiple owner- and field-driven revisions. These included hydronic piping and equipment replacement following abatement impacts, restroom reconfigurations, reroofing coordination, revised boiler flue routing, and updated video surveillance layouts. Each change required detailed documentation of existing conditions, responsive redesign, and close coordination with the architect and contractor to maintain schedule, safety, and operational continuity. The result is a resilient, adaptable facility that provides a healthy learning environment while accommodating evolving district needs.
Guiding Principles for the Design
- Healthy, Reliable Learning Environments
- Adaptability During Construction
- Right-Sized Systems for How Schools Actually Operate
- Long-Term Stewardship of Public Facilities