YouthBuild PCS Relocation Project

Background

YouthBuild Public Charter School (PCS) is a high school dedicated to empowering young people aged 16 to 24 by re-engaging them in education and workforce development. The school provides academic, vocational, and workforce training opportunities. Through its curriculum, YouthBuild PCS emphasizes community service, including volunteer projects and the construction of housing for low-income residents in the DC area.

For years, YouthBuild PCS operated from an outdated and crowded facility along the 16th Street corridor. To better serve its students and enhance its programming, the school sought a new location that would provide a more modern and spacious learning environment. The historic Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Building was identified as the ideal new home for YouthBuild PCS.
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The Challenge

Relocating an entire school while ensuring minimal disruption to students' education and operations is a complex process.

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The project required:

• Efficient Design and Planning: The new space needed to be reconfigured to meet the specific needs of YouthBuild PCS’s educational model.
• Navigating Permitting and Compliance: The historic nature of the IOOF Building required careful coordination with government agencies and historic preservation regulations.
• Tight Timeline: The project had to be completed in time for the 2025-2026 school year, requiring precise scheduling and execution.
• Budget Management: The relocation needed to be completed within financial constraints while ensuring high-quality construction and facility improvements.

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BHI’s Role

BHI-Construction and Real Estate Development’s Owner Representative Team was brought in to oversee the relocation process and ensure the project’s success. Acting as YouthBuild PCS’s advocate throughout the project, BHI managed the entire lifecycle from initial planning to final occupancy.

BHI’s key contributions included:

• Project Oversight: Managing all phases of the project, including design, permitting, and construction.
• Expert Coordination: Navigating government regulations and securing necessary approvals efficiently.
• Schedule Management: Keeping the project on track to meet the ambitious move-in deadline.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serving as a bridge between YouthBuild PCS leadership, architects, contractors, and local agencies to streamline decision-making.
• Risk Mitigation: Identifying and addressing potential obstacles early in the process to prevent costly delays.

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Impact and Outcomes

‍With BHI’s expertise, YouthBuild PCS is on track to move into its new location in time for the 2025-2026 school year. The new facility at the IOOF Building will provide:

• A Modern Learning Environment: Spacious classrooms and upgraded facilities designed to enhance student engagement.
• Enhanced Program Delivery: A setting that better accommodates YouthBuild’s unique blend of academic and vocational training.
• Improved Accessibility: A centralized location in Downtown DC, making the school more accessible to students and community partners.

By handling the complexities of the project, BHI has enabled YouthBuild PCS leadership to focus on their mission. Through strategic project management, BHI is ensuring that this transition strengthens YouthBuild PCS’s ability to serve its students for years to come.

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