Sometimes it’s what’s not in the construction plan that offers the greatest challenge. That was the situation on the gymnasium project for the Lincoln Uni ed School District in Stockton, the centerpiece of a $70 million District-wide modernization program.

What put the Clark/Sullivan team to its biggest test wasn’t accomplishing the job on time and on budget while accommodating student traffic flow, access and academic calendar. Rather it was a city-owned easement that didn’t appear on any of the plans. The construction documents called for relocating a waterline and a sewer line, but didn’t note that the lines were owned by the city and not by the District. The existing waterline ran beneath the area designated for the foundation of the new gym structure.

“Clark/Sullivan went above and beyond when it came to communication with the staff. And they were responsive to any issues that needed handling, even with subcontractors, and prompt about taking action.” – Joe Hancock, Vice Principal, Lincoln High School

C/S had to come up with a way to legally abandon that existing waterline so it was no longer active and convince the City that an alternative route and methodology was superior to the original plan. With some creative thinking and a little tap dancing we were able to resolve this unexpected diversion and deliver the project on time.

The project’s scope included construction of a new gymnasium, lobby, student store and restrooms, modernization of the existing gym, lobby, cafeteria, and locker rooms, installation of a new fire alarm system, plus site work, grading, paving and landscaping. n