One D&C’s Square One project in Springfield presents unique challenges

By Brad Miller

One Development & Construction has partnered with Square One to rebuild their early education, family support and community outreach facility that was destroyed by the tornado that passed through downtown Springfield in 2011. The new facility is being constructed at 947 Main Street, where Square One has been headquartered since 1883.

One Development has been working with Square One for over two years developing concepts, plans and budgets to support Square One’s fundraising campaign. Fortunately, at the beginning of 2024 all of the hard work paid off and Square One was awarded major grants and multiple large donations which allowed the project to break ground.

One Development mobilized to the site in early May to begin excavation, processing and removal of over 4,000 cubic yards of unsuitable soil including debris and lead contaminated materials left behind from the previously destroyed structure. The site is challenging and it’s not because it’s big. The new building is wedged between Hubbard Avenue and Williams Street in an odd shaped, narrow urban environment. Careful planning, phasing and scheduling is critical to keeping this project progressing efficiently.

We now have most of the unsuitable soil work complete and are currently wrapping up subsurface drainage installations and beginning footing and foundation work. Steel erection is scheduled to begin at the end of September.

Square One’s new facility will be a 24,000 SF, 3-Story, Butler conventional steel framed building with an insulated metal panel exterior featuring brick and cedar plank accents.

The interior of the building will include four early education classrooms with direct playground access on the first floor as well as family and community support space. The second and third floor will have a gross motor room, multiple offices for support staff and flex and meeting space. The new Square One facility is scheduled to be complete July 2025.

Project Manager- Brad Miller; Project Estimator- Mike Byrnes; Project Superintendent- Craig Pinney; Electrical Project Manager- Ben Haynes.