Pendleton Early Learning Center

 
McCormack Construction partnered with Pendleton School District on a comprehensive renovation and expansion of a kindergarten facility that transformed it into the Pendleton Early Learning Center. The $12.1 million project was completed in 2015 and represents a significant investment in early childhood education infrastructure for the local school district. The project modernized aging educational space while expanding capacity to serve young learners in the Pendleton community.
 
The project involved a 50,532-square-foot renovation and addition at 455 SW 13th Street, including partial demolition and remodel of 30,696 square feet of the existing building and a ground-up addition of 19,826 square feet. McCormack served as CM/GC, managing the transformation of a very old grade school into a modern early learning facility designed to support contemporary educational programming and operational needs. The 11-month project required careful phasing to ensure the facility could serve students throughout construction.
 
Key challenges included managing the complexity of a project that involved total demolition of portions of a very old grade school building while preserving and renovating other sections. Coordinating the extensive demolition work, the substantial remodel, and new construction simultaneously required meticulous planning and sequencing. The phased nature of the project added complexity, as different areas needed to be completed on specific timelines to maintain educational continuity and meet the district’s operational requirements.
 
To address these challenges, McCormack worked closely with Pendleton School District to ensure accurate programming and facility flow aligned with early learning operational needs. The team maintained strict adherence to the phased schedule, coordinating closely with the owner’s representative and district leadership throughout construction. Effective communication channels ensured that any issues were addressed promptly and that all parties remained informed of progress, allowing the district to plan for transitions and prepare for occupancy.
 
The Pendleton Early Learning Center was completed on time and under budget, establishing a strong relationship with Pendleton School District. For McCormack Construction, this project demonstrates expertise in complex educational facility renovation, phased construction management, and the ability to transform aging school buildings into modern learning environments that serve the community’s youngest students.