Construction Updates

Our campus expansion project is moving along beautifully! Here is a quick look at the major milestones our construction teams achieved this June as we get closer to welcoming our Eagles back:

• Exterior Completed: The building’s exterior envelope is officially finished, with all brickwork and metal panels fully installed.

• Learning Stair Progress: Handrails and sound-absorbing acoustic baffles are currently being installed around the learning stair area.

• Interior Finishes: Restroom tile work is well underway, and section doors have been successfully installed.

• Outdoor Walkways: Crews have begun forming the new concrete sidewalks outside.

Safety Reminder: With heavy machinery and active construction on-site throughout the summer, the expansion zone remains strictly off-limits to families. Thank you for your continued support as we build an even brighter future for CCA! 🦅

Interior Renovations
Interior demolition was completed quickly after the last day of school, and team members investigated the existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. 

Expansion Progress
Masons worked on exterior block and brick masonry. On the main level, drywall finishing moved forward, while priming and first-coat painting commenced on the lower level. Inside the learning stair, the ceiling was painted, and electricians transitioned from rough-ins to pulling wires for light fixtures. Externally, corrugated metal panels were securely installed on the roof screen, and plumbers finalized connections to the existing structures. 

The rooftop unit was set in place, which coincided with the start of blocking and shimming in the learning stair, as well as the initiation of window, flashing, and sanitary work. 

The building's exterior has seen incredible progress, as framing is officially complete and has passed inspection by Ground Engineering. Roofing is also well underway, featuring a multi-layer insulation and vapor barrier system designed for maximum durability. Additionally, the parapet caps are being framed with pressure-treated wood to ensure a long-lasting finish.

Inside the addition, the new student stairs have been poured, marking a major step forward for interior circulation. Ductwork has been delivered to the site and is being carefully protected from construction dust to ensure high air quality upon completion. Our teams have also installed insulation and moisture-resistant sheetrock in specific areas before the ductwork is finalized to ensure every corner of the building is properly sealed.

Finally, on the grounds, the last storm drain manhole is being formed to complete the site's infrastructure.

As we move into May, expect to see more visible changes to the building’s exterior. We are on track and excited to see this new space become a home for our Middle Schoolers!

We are thrilled to share that March has been a month of incredible transformation and major milestones for our campus expansion! 

This month, we officially marked the completion of the steel and concrete building structure. Seeing the skeleton of the building finalized is a momentous step in our journey, as it solidifies the foundation and framework that will house our students for decades to come.

With the structural "bones" in place, we have transitioned immediately into the next phase: framing. This is where the building starts to feel like a school, as internal walls and rooms begin to take form. It won’t be long before we can clearly see the layout of our new classrooms and learning spaces!

In honor of Women in Construction Day this March, we were proud to host a special tour for several of our female students. Led by our project partners, these students got a behind-the-scenes look at the site, and saw firsthand that there are no limits to what they can build in their future careers.

Thank you to our entire community for your continued support as we build the future of CCA!

February marked a historic turning point for the Cherry Creek Academy construction project as our students, faculty, and staff transitioned from spectators to a permanent part of our new building’s DNA.

Every CCA student and staff member had the opportunity to leave their mark—literally. Prior to our Beam Signing Ceremony, a piece of steel for our new facility was laid out for students to sign. From the steady hands of our eighth graders to the enthusiastic scribbles of our kindergartners, those signatures now cover the beams that will support our future classrooms.

The excitement reached its peak as our partners at GH Phipps hoisted the signed beam into the Colorado sky. As the steel was set into the framework, it served as a powerful visual reminder: while we are building a brand new structure, our students remain the true heart of this project.

This "topping out" milestone is the result of a shared vision. It represents the tireless dedication of our board, the support of our parents, and the hard work of the construction crews who are working diligently to keep us on schedule.

The most exciting development this month was the successful laying of the foundation for our new two-story addition. This foundational work is a critical turning point in the project, moving us from the preparation and demolition phases into the active build of our new structures.

With the concrete set, we have established the literal "groundwork" for the future of CCA. This new footprint will eventually house our expanded Middle School wing, modernized classrooms, and enhanced small group spaces, all designed to better serve our students and staff.

December was a pivotal month for the construction team who capitalized on the mild weather and an empty campus over winter break to move the project significantly forward. The unseasonably warm December temperatures provided ideal conditions for ground work, preventing the typical delays associated with frozen soil or heavy snow. 

• Foundation Excavation: The crew has successfully reached the bottom of the foundation. This marks the completion of the heavy earth-moving phase for the building’s footprint.

• Concrete Preparation: With the site cleared to the necessary depth, the focus has shifted to prepping the ground for upcoming concrete pours.

• Transformer Shoring: Specialized shoring was installed near the site transformer. This critical safety measure ensures the school's existing electrical infrastructure remains stable and secure during the adjacent structural work.

Key Milestones Completed in November
The primary focus this month centered on clearing structures and preparing specific areas for new construction. The most notable changes include:

• Demolition of Back Middle School Stairs: The staircase located at the back of the middle school wing has been safely and completely removed. This demolition was a critical step in reconfiguring the site's footprint and will be the future connection point of the new Middle School Addition.
• Removal of Modular Building: The modular structure, which has served various functions over the years, has been successfully dismantled and removed from the premises.
• Decommissioning of Playground Equipment: The "Spiderweb" climbing structure has been safely removed from the playground area. 

With the major demolition phases largely complete, the project team will now transition its focus toward site utilities, foundational work, and framing of the new structures. We appreciate everyone’s continued flexibility and patience as we work through temporary changes to access and routine.

While pre-construction work at Cherry Creek Academy began in September, we held our official Groundbreaking Ceremony in October to formally mark the start of this exciting new chapter for CCA.

The event was attended by key partners, including representatives from the Cherry Creek School District, CCA's Board of Directors, the Bond Committee, and our dedicated construction partners: RTA Architects, CBRE, and GH Phipps Construction.

The primary focus of construction activities throughout October was centered on ensuring building safety and compliance with fire and safety regulations.

Specifically, the work involved creating new egress doors and alternative exits. Egress refers to the safe and continuous path of travel that occupants must follow to exit a building, structure, or area. By installing these new doors and exits, the project is proactively addressing a critical component of safety requirements as it moves toward its next stage.

This focus is essential because it directly supports the process of obtaining final permit approvals. Buildings must demonstrate adequate and safe exit strategies to receive permits from local authorities. Completing this work helps prevent delays in the permitting process and ensures the facility will meet all necessary safety codes during construction.