Kapp Construction
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Emmanuel Christian Academy
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Emmanuel Christian Academy Mr. Robert Maki Dear Bob: Thank you for the opportunity to comment upon the working relationship between the various parties involved in the Emmanuel Christian Academy construction project. It was a truly amazing process and an obvious blessing. In order to fully comprehend the blessing, it must be noted that the construction schedule was compressed from an original expectation of 18 months down to a realized construction timeframe of 11 months. While certain "finish" aspects of the building are still being completed, the academy opened its doors for the new school year on schedule. The enrollment had grown to 320 students and our old facility had been sold to a new ministry, so there was no alternative but to move forward. To some this may appear as bad management, or a risky gamble, but the decision was based upon both faith and the extraordinary level of cooperation that was being displayed by everyone at the job site. We have received numerous comments and compliments from the various subcontractors and other vendors about how everyone pulled together in order to make the project special and complete it on time. Each of the firms that contributed to the building of the school realized that they were participating in the construction of a unique facility. Unique, not just for the various state-of-the-art aspects of the school, but primarily due to the fact that it was a realization of many years worth of prayer. Prayer for the workers, the building and the process, that continued throughout the construction schedule. Emmanuel Christian Academy teamed with The Architectural Group and Kapp Construction as general contractor, to design and build a facility that would be one of the finest in the state of Ohio. Since the school was going to be built with private funds, our intent was to build it right and build it to last. We also wanted to avoid the antiseptic appearance that is standard in so many school facilities. This interest can be seen in the unique flooring displays, colorful wall tiling and various tones of paint in the classrooms. The academy also has made a strong effort to maximize technology within the facility. Computerized HVAC units were used to control the internal environment as efficiently as possible. Television monitors were placed in each room with a central video distribution site. This will allow multiple classrooms to view the same video materials at one time. Students will receive instruction for computer and Biology/Chemistry in fully equipped labs as well. The efficient use of space was also a concern for the project. The building does not include an auditorium, but the stage was configured in a manner that allows a presentation to be made to an audience in either the gymnasium or the cafeteria. The atrium controls the access to the building in a manner that requires anyone who enters the building to pass by the office. The large planter and glass pinnacle over the atrium help remind the ECA family and visitors that this truly is a blessed and special place. Sincerely, Robert M. Elliot |