Steilacoom School District

Steilacoom Historical School District No. 1 has upheld a legacy of educational excellence since 1855. However, in 2021, the district faced an unexpected challenge: critical failures in its rooftop units (RTUs) amidst a global shortage of HVAC equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated raw material and semiconductor shortages, resulting in skyrocketing prices and extended lead times for HVAC equipment.

Challenges

Navigating these unprecedented conditions was a daunting task. The district was committed to avoiding both budget overruns and active construction during school hours to maintain an optimal learning environment. As such, they decided against hiring an HVAC vendor for a standard one-to-one replacement.

Solutions

Seeking a more flexible and comprehensive solution, the district issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a design-build firm. They ultimately selected Millig Design Build for its engineering-first, turn-key approach, which promised a level of service surpassing a typical replacement project.

The collaboration between the district and Millig proved valuable, especially when one of the RTUs was delivered without ventilation capabilities—an unacceptable oversight in the middle of a pandemic. Kevin Player, Director of Project Performance at Millig Design Build, quickly devised a makeshift ventilation solution until a proper replacement unit arrived two weeks later.

But that wasn’t the only obstacle Millig overcame. A construction site is a complex ecosystem where a single misstep can have cascading effects, making integrated construction management critical for a successful design-build delivery.

Justin Pape, Construction Manager at Millig Design Build, explained, “Every little thing adds up. That’s why we’re involved from the start of a project and onsite whenever construction is actively underway. We managed subcontractors, the budget, safety, worked with our engineers to verify the design, and promptly addressed any issues. Our goal was to make sure the construction site operated like a well-oiled machine.”

Results

Millig Design Build navigated the unique challenges of the time and managed the project efficiently. This experience highlights Millig’s adaptability, commitment to excellence, and our team’s ability to think on our feet when faced with unforeseen challenges. The successful completion of the project maintained the district's commitment to providing an optimal learning environment, affirming Steilacoom School District No.1’s choice of design-build delivery and Millig Design Build.