Booker T High School Tennis Complex

Serving Up Brand-New Tennis Courts

Tulsa, OK

It’s not every day you see cheerleaders and a band at the tennis courts.

Football and basketball courts, sure – but tennis?

Nov. 29, 2022, marked a day of cheering and celebration at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new tennis complex.

Valued at $3 million, the project encompassed a tennis court addition, a new servicing parking lot, revamped locker rooms, and modernized restrooms.

Fencing, signage, bleachers, and canopies were also installed at the 90,000 SF complex.

The project was made possible by two generous donations made through the Foundation for Tulsa Schools and the support of Tulsa voters in a 2021 bond. It was the “fulfillment of a promise made,” said principal Melissa Woolridge.

Working in Tandem

As the CM on this project, we worked hand-in-hand with the architect to determine the best way to deliver the product that the owner desired with the limited funds.

We engaged in various value engineering exercises, formulated custom details for approval, and proposed alternative products to enhance cost efficiency and streamline lead times during the project.

During the preconstruction phase and budgeting process, we strategized to optimize the scope and control costs. Subsequently, the budget required adjustment through a GMP Amendment to accommodate the owner’s specific requirements. This resulted in a one-month extension of the initial schedule, a decision that was mutually agreed upon by the owner and our team.

Throughout the project, weather posed a consistent challenge. However, Crossland’s adaptability and experience in working across various environments ensured that weather conditions did not impede the timely completion of the project.

Lessons Learned

We encountered a valuable learning opportunity in managing the fencing and post-tensioned slab. Around 50 fence posts were initially placed within the post-tension slab, revealing challenges in coordination and quality assurance.

From this experience, we have reinforced an alternative practice that involves situating fencing and accessories outside of the slab—an insight we will use going forward.

Despite this specific challenge, the project’s overall progress was seamless, culminating in successfully creating a remarkable new tennis complex for the school.

A Job Well Done

A special acknowledgment goes to Koy Ramsey, an exceptional superintendent for this project. His meticulous approach enabled the early identification of challenges, allowing us to proactively devise solutions.

Booker T. Washington High School truly stands as a remarkable institution, and the new tennis complex promises to uplift both the campus and the wider community. The gratitude expressed for our work is humbling, and as always, we deeply appreciate the opportunity to contribute in this capacity.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Educational
Cost: $2,745,775
Size: 88,928 SF
Delivery Method: Construction Management
Self-Perform: Earthwork
Owner: Tulsa Public Schools
Architect: GS Helms & Associates, LLC
Engineer: Wallace Design