Mars Elementary Building Addition - Construction Documents Summary

This is a comprehensive set of architectural and structural construction drawings for the Mars Elementary Building Addition project prepared by CARMI Design Group for Berrien Springs Public Schools in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The project consists of a 4,354 square foot addition to the existing elementary school facility located at 430 W. Mars Street. The scope includes new educational spaces comprising integrated studies classrooms, resource rooms, speech pathology facilities, corridors, vestibules, storage, and toilet facilities. The construction is classified as Type II-B with an occupancy group classification of E (Educational), designed to accommodate one story at approximately 22 feet in height. The project incorporates comprehensive structural systems including reinforced concrete masonry walls, steel joist roof framing with metal deck, foundations with concrete footings and slabs-on-grade, and complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure. The drawings package includes demolition plans, life safety plans with two required exits and maximum travel distances of 106 feet, detailed foundation and framing plans, and extensive technical specifications for all building systems prepared in coordination with consulting engineers from JDH Structural Engineering, Millies Engineering Group, and VK Civil.

The design establishes specific engineering parameters including a design soil bearing pressure of 2,000 PSF, concrete compressive strength of 3,500 PSI for interior slabs and 4,500 PSI for exterior structural concrete, and structural steel with Fy = 50,000 PSI for W shapes. The project requires special inspections in accordance with Chapter 17 of the 2021 Michigan Building Code, including continuous inspection of masonry construction and post-installed anchors, periodic inspection of concrete placement and reinforcement, and verification of structural steel materials and welding. Cost documents, bidding procedures, contract award dates, and funding sources are not included within this drawing set, which serves as the basis for competitive bidding and contractor selection by the school district.