Education Archives - Page 2 of 4

Augustana College | Erickson Hall

Posted on September 26, 2024

Our design-build team successfully executed a floor to ceiling renovation of the C Wing of Augustana Erickson Residence Hall, which was last updated in 1966.

Student dorm rooms that are home to 350 sophomores annually, were upgraded to include modern comforts and finishes. Upgrades to the building include the installation of new windows, exterior lighting, HVAC, and electrical systems, as well as aesthetic finishes, cabinets, and countertops.

Individual bathroom “pods” were built with ADA accessibility and gender-equality measures in mind, ensuring inclusivity for all residents. The establishment of gender-neutral bathrooms not only enhanced the visual appeal of the wing but also provides flexibility for Augustana’s housing plan.

The Bush team used creative problem solving throughout construction to proactively address potential logistic concerns.

For example, to make the future move-in process easier for the owner, we left a window out of each floor and used a forklift, avoiding the need to carry furniture up several levels of stairs.

To avoid disruptions as the school year approached, we created a 3-phase move-in plan that staggered student early arrivals, starting with the 3rd floor and working down to the 1st. This phased approach ensured a smooth and efficient move-in process. Throughout construction, we worked closely with Augustana to minimize disruptions, allowing them to continue using adjacent parts of the building without conflict.

YWCA Rock Island

Posted on September 10, 2024

YWCA of Rock Island partnered with Bush Construction to deliver a three-story, multi-use education and community facility designed to expand access to high-quality childcare while supporting the long-term needs of children, families, and the broader Rock Island community.

The new building replaces the YWCA’s former 24,000-square-foot facility with approximately 64,000 square feet of modern, purpose-built space—nearly tripling capacity. A planned rooftop patio expansion will further increase the facility to 72,000 square feet, creating additional opportunities for community programming and events.

Expanding Childcare Capacity Through Education-Focused Construction

A primary driver of the project was the YWCA’s need to significantly increase affordable childcare capacity in a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. Bush Construction delivered a modern facility that supports early childhood education through well-equipped classrooms, in-room restrooms, enhanced security systems, and flexible spaces designed around daily operations.

By aligning construction with program needs, the new facility enables the YWCA to serve more families while maintaining high standards for safety, supervision, and learning environments.

A Multi-Use Facility Designed for Learning, Wellness & Community

Beyond childcare, the new YWCA facility was designed as a comprehensive education and wellness hub, supporting youth development, family services, and community engagement under one roof. The building integrates fitness, education, and gathering spaces in a way that allows programs to operate simultaneously and efficiently.

Key program spaces include:

Secure, modern childcare and classroom environments
Fitness and wellness areas, including a gym and indoor aquatic center
Administrative offices and conference rooms
A full-service kitchen supporting community programs
Interior play and gathering spaces designed for year-round use

This integrated approach allows the YWCA to expand services while maximizing operational efficiency and long-term flexibility.

Community-Driven Investment with Lasting Impact

Funded through strong community support and generous donors, the project reflects a shared commitment to investing in education, childcare, and community well-being. Bush Construction supported the YWCA throughout the process, helping translate mission-driven goals into a durable, future-ready facility that will serve Rock Island families for decades to come.

“This project represents more than a building — it’s a place where dreams will be nurtured, skills will be developed, and lives will be uplifted.”
— Julie Larson, President & CEO, YWCA of Rock Island

Rock Island-Milan School District 41 | New District Office and Production Kitchen

Posted on September 29, 2023

It’s out with the old, and in with the new! The Rock Island – Milan School District #41 came to us with three main goals for their brand-new administrative center: unify staff, accelerate food production, and create more storage space.

After years of operating in an old, cramped, and energy inefficient space, Bush Construction delivered a 35,000 new-build administrative center comprised of a district office (18,000 SF), a warehouse (11,000 SF), and a food production area (6,000 SF).

The one-level layout improves accessibility and ease of use for the multi-purpose building. To increase security and privacy for staff, a brand-new secure entryway was installed.

After previously working out of multiple small kitchens in different locations, a centrally located production kitchen was essential to the district. The new top-of-the-line, high-performance kitchen will allow the nutrition services team to prepare more than 4,000 meals per day with increased quality and efficiency.

The new space for the Rock Island Milan School District will serve as a gathering space for students, staff and community alike.

Rock Island High School

Posted on July 7, 2023

The near-century-old Rock Island High School has new life after a renovation/addition of more than 60,000 square feet. The $10.8 million project required a complex reconfiguration of the main floor including a relocation of the main office, nurses’ office, administrator, and athletic director offices to improve overall flow and accessibility. The adjustments required an addition to the existing building.

A major transformation to the school’s main entryway creates a modern and welcoming first impression while enhancing security measures. Just inside, students can now enjoy a college-like atmosphere with a new and improved cafeteria as well as lavished common areas to socialize, study and relax.

The exterior of Rock Island High School also got some much-needed attention including safety and efficiency upgrades to the pick-up/drop-off areas, expanded staff parking, and new outdoor courtyard spaces to enjoy. The library and various classrooms throughout the school were also renovated.

As school was in session for the majority of construction, our team coordinated closely with officials to ensure as little disruption as possible to staff and students.

Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (MARC) Quad Cities Campus

Posted on May 19, 2023

We love it when we get to build from the ground up! That’s exactly what we were able to do for Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (MACRC). The new two-facility complex in East Moline, IL consists of a state-of-the-art training center and a new union hall office building.

The 65,000-square-foot training center will serve its 2,000 union members and apprentices in the Quad Cities and the State of Illinois. The training building features functional classrooms and shop areas which were designed with a special attention to detail between the carpenters and millwright training areas. The carpentry space features beautiful wood finishes and textures, while the millwright side has more of an industrial machinery feel.

The two-story administrative facility includes offices, conference rooms, a cafeteria, and a 250-seat meeting room which will be used for union and public events.

Marion Public Library

Posted on May 19, 2023

After the 2020 derecho tore through Marion, Iowa, the already aging Marion Library took on damage. We were thrilled to partner with the Marion Public Library to build a new library across the street from the original location. The design of the new space was not just a warehouse for books, but an active place and community hub for the city of Marion where people of all ages can congregate and learn.

The two-story, 50,000-square-foot library features modern, open spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving a bright and welcoming feel. The first floor includes a large community room with a demonstration kitchen for meetings, classes, and other programming, as well as a cozy reading area with a double-sided fireplace.

With special attention to cater to families with young children, the second story features various spaces that function for the entire family unit including adult workstations with conjoining playpens, an indoor playground area, and a children’s programming room.

Other notable spaces include a second-floor terrace, various tech spaces, study rooms, and conference rooms. “I think this library will be a model for all libraries in the future,” said Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly. We sure think so, too!

SAU Assumption Wrestling

Posted on April 18, 2023

To accommodate the first-ever wrestling team at St. Ambrose University, Bush Construction completed the new wrestling training facility. The project includes men’s and women’s locker rooms, four offices for the coaching staff, and three full-size wrestling mats. Assumption High School will also be utilizing this space for their wrestling team needs.

Augustana College | Bergendoff Hall

Posted on April 13, 2023

On this renovation, Bush Construction upgraded classrooms as well as rehearsal and performance spaces. A common area corridor was also upgraded for the music and performing arts department at Augustana College. The project had two phases. One was a fast-paced renovation over the summer (offices and one classroom). In phase 2 of this renovation, Bush Construction upgraded 2 floors of classrooms as well as rehearsal, performance spaces, and faculty offices. All common areas and corridors were also renovated for the music and performing arts department at Augustana.

During demo, we came across many issues in the previous design and build. After completing the demolition, we worked with the architect and owner to achieve the desired design with the existing conditions. With all new plumbing, updated emergency systems, updated lighting and controls, and a totally new aesthetic, we feel confident Augustana will love their new space at Bergendoff Hall. The faculty feedback has already been a plus.

Phase 1

Phase 2

Muscatine High School

Posted on November 18, 2020

The Muscatine High School STEM project included the construction of a two-story addition designed to support hands-on, future-focused learning. This modern expansion is home to state-of-the-art science labs and instructional spaces that enhance the school’s growing STEM curriculum and provide students with environments that encourage collaboration, experimentation, and innovation.

The addition features 12 new classrooms, including two special education classrooms, four fully equipped chemistry labs, three physics labs, and three general science labs. Each space was thoughtfully designed to support advanced instruction, safety requirements, and flexible learning needs for both students and educators.

Beyond traditional classroom spaces, the project added several unique features to enrich the educational experience. Students and staff now have access to a “green roof” that serves as an outdoor classroom, offering opportunities for environmental learning and hands-on study. The addition also includes a dedicated staff workroom, a STEM room for collaborative projects and instruction, and learning stairs that create an open, interactive gathering space for informal learning and student engagement.

St. Ambrose University | McMullen Hall

Posted on August 26, 2020

McMullen Hall is nestled on the southwest corner of the St. Ambrose University campus and is the new, state-of-the-art home to the University’s College of Business. The $8.6 million project included the renovation of the existing 38,000 SQFT building and a 16,000 SQFT addition. According to St. Ambrose University, “a major focus of the project has been the integration of old and new, reflecting the University’s agility while holding tight to our history and mission.”

The new addition features ten new classrooms and a student commons area highlighted, a sales lab with six individual team rooms, a tiered lecture classroom, and a finance lab. The varied classroom styles assist the University in preparing students for the business world, which focuses on teams and collaboration. The renovation of the existing building converted existing classrooms into faculty offices and added a Dean’s office suite.