Cape Henlopen High School

EDiS Company provided construction management services for the construction of the new Cape Henlopen High School. The new high school is a two-story building with departmental wings which include computer banks and wireless technology throughout. The division of space promotes optimal flexibility as each wing can support several different educational concepts such as math, science, and JROTC. The wings are designed for future growth and expansion. A separate 9^th grade academy and vocational wing were also incorporated into the design.

The library features a complete media center with multiple computer stations and a library automation system. The school also houses a 900-seat auditorium and a 2,300-seat gymnasium. The 6,264 SF cafeteria is supported by a 2,900 SF main kitchen, 3,060 SF culinary kitchen, and 1,550 SF of freezers, coolers, and storage. The media center, auditorium, commons area, and gymnasium are accessible for public use after school hours.

The school design incorporated energy-efficient materials and design solutions throughout the facility, including solar tint on all windows, recycled flooring products, and a white EPDM roofing system. The inclusion of natural light was instrumental in the design. The school also utilizes the largest geothermal well field in Delaware, with 500 wells at a depth of 200 feet. Bike racks and economy parking spaces are available to students, staff, and visitors.

As part of the construction, a grass football field was converted to synthetic turf. The 3,000-seat bleacher was renovated, and a new synthetic field for women’s field hockey was constructed. Adjacent to the new athletic stadium, a new 10,000 SF field house was built to support all athletic programs. The field house includes a weight room and fitness center, visitor and home team locker rooms, officials’ locker rooms, and equipment storage.

During preconstruction, EDiS worked closely with the District and the architect to evaluate the financial, spatial, and life-cycle cost comparison between renovating the existing school and building a new school. When it was decided to build a new facility on an occupied campus, EDiS worked directly with the District to ensure the safety of the students, staff, and visitors, and to coordinate the traffic flow as to not disrupt the school’s schedule.