Alliance Francaise

The construction of a new facility for Alliance Francaise in Miami encompassed renovation and conversion of two preexisting buildings - a 5,000-square foot, one-story warehouse and a 6,000-square foot, two-story industrial structure. Additionally the project included ground-up construction of a 5,000-square foot addition and related site work.

The school features a two-story custom glass storefront system, new mechanical systems, a hydraulic elevator, zinc casework, kitchen equipment and an energy reduction system. In addition to educational facilities the entire complex houses a two-story lobby atrium, offices, library, bookstore, café, commercial kitchen, two event rooms, travel agency and a hair salon.

Structural work involved reinforcement of existing columns and tie-beams, construction of new strip concrete foundations, erection of masonry and concrete walls to the height of 40 feet and steel frame structures for the roofs. 

Mc Gowan assisted in a value engineering analysis aimed at meeting the available budget. Through system and material revisions and substitutions as well as scope changes the team reduced the construction cost by 20%.

Complexities included an extensive redesign of the roof structures while the project was already in the permitting phase, a fast-track schedule, limited site access, street and sidewalk closure procedures and coordination with multiple public agencies.