James Irwin Charter School – Library
This project was constructed on an occupied school campus. As JICS continued to expand its student population the need for a dedicated library, testing center, and administration center became clear. Struggling to find balance between using the current library for all these functions, as well as it’s intended purpose as a library, JICS needed a solution. Elder Construction and the design team created an effective solution – building a pre-engineered metal building – that not only checks the boxes of the administration staff but also provides an exciting and active learning environment for the students.
James Irwin Charter School – PTEC
James Irwin Charter School required additional space for its expanding Power Technical (PTEC) program, a cornerstone of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiative focused on hands-on training. Elder completed a tenant improvement project, converting a former Lockheed Martin manufacturing facility into a charter school designed for technical instruction. The scope included restroom renovations, classroom build-outs, and facility upgrades. This Change of Use required off-site road improvements, CDOT coordination, and El Paso County traffic approval — all managed by Elder at no additional cost. Through a collaborative Design-Build approach, Elder delivered a cost-effective solution that met budget requirements and enabled the school to qualify for a lower-interest School Bond Program, while minimizing risk and contingency to keep the project efficient and aligned with long-term goals.
