Vail Valley to Get New High School

Braaksma-Himmelman chosen for $11M project

Vail Christian Schools has selected Braaksma-Himmelman Inc. as the construction manager and general contractor for its new Vail Christian High School Education Campus in Edwards.

Bidding on the $11 million project was highly competitive, but the building committee was unanimous in its support of Braaksma-Himmelman as the best fit for the project, said Michael Mutter, Vail Christian High's project manager.

"We were truly blessed to have four great general contractors to choose from," Mutter said. "The decision was difficult, but in the end Braaksma-Himmelman's professionalism, experience and general feeling of 'fit' won out."

The new campus will serve as an anchor for Vail Valley Youth Christian programs and draws students from Gypsum, Eagle, Edwards, Avon, Minturn, Vail and Leadville. New facilities are needed because of the significant growth the school has experienced since it was founded five years ago.

The campus will consist of two buildings totally 62,000 sq ft and include an academic building with an enhanced science lab featuring new equipment funded by a grant from the Wheeler Family Foundation.

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Gas fireplaces will warm the student commons and provide a focal point for the library while classrooms will feature natural light from huge windows facing the Eagle River. The arts and athletics building will have a 450-seat auditorium and indoor/outdoor stage. The gymnasium will be complemented by weight rooms and locker rooms as well as coaches' offices.

The creative design - completed by Davis Partnership - uses two separate buildings, which allows the community to use the fine arts center and gymnasium when they are not being used by the school.

Braaksma-Himmelman will break ground this spring and is targeting completion by summer 2006 so the students can begin the school year at their new campus.

"This is a very exciting project for us," said President Barry Himmelman. "We enjoy building religious facilities and look forward to working side by side with the community to help make their dream a reality."

Braaksma-Himmelman is a family-owned, Colorado-based general contractor/construction manager celebrating its 50th year in business.

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