The challenge
Niles Community Schools is located in the southwest corner of Michigan, eight miles from the University of Notre Dame, and has nearly 4,000 students.
Due to aging facilities, Niles Community Schools (NCS) needed to update and replace critical building systems to maintain a safe learning environment. However, declining state funding and previous unsuccessful bond proposals led the District to seek an unbiased advocate who could advise on of all its options.
The solution
Plante Moran Realpoint (PMR), formerly Plante Moran Cresa, was engaged for our expertise to provide a thorough facility condition assessment. The District wanted a company independent from the architect to conduct these services. PMR conducted the assessment and developed a cost estimate based on the District’s critical needs, deferred maintenance needs, and property enhancement needs.
The benefit
With the cost estimate PMR provided, NCS was able to review all available funding resources to ensure that the new bond proposal aligned realistically and persuasively with assessed needs.
