Construction Archives - Bush Construction

Kairos Academy 9th Grade Expansion

Posted on December 10, 2024

Kairos Academies, a Saint Louis-based charter school, partnered with Bush Construction to design and build an 18,000-square-foot 9th grade expansion that supported rapid enrollment growth—without disrupting daily school operations.

Delivered on an accelerated 10-week summer schedule, the project was completed in time for the new school year, ensuring continuity for students, staff, and families while allowing the school to grow in a financially and operationally responsible way.

Design-Build Solutions for Enrollment-Driven School Growth

Kairos Academies’ long-term growth strategy required facilities that could expand alongside enrollment while maintaining a strong student experience. Bush Construction provided integrated development, architecture, and construction services, allowing early planning, fast decision-making, and schedule certainty.

By completing design, permitting, and preconstruction in advance, construction began immediately when school recessed for summer—minimizing risk, compressing timelines, and protecting the academic calendar.

Adaptive Reuse that Supports Learning & Longevity

The expansion is located within the historic Concordia Publishing House, an underutilized office and warehouse building already housing Kairos’ middle school grades. Bush Construction helped repurpose existing space into modern, student-centered learning environments—leveraging high ceilings, abundant natural light, and durable materials to balance character, performance, and long-term stewardship.

The project includes:

New classrooms and flexible collaboration zones
A renovated cafeteria supporting daily student use
Gender-neutral restrooms promoting inclusivity
Refurbished historic wood block flooring selected for durability and character

These design decisions enhanced learning, visibility, and supervision while supporting the school’s educational philosophy.

Built Around School Operations & Stakeholder Confidence

Every decision—from sequencing to material selection—was guided by three priorities:
operational continuity, budget responsibility, and student experience.

The result was a smooth, on-time delivery that:

Supported enrollment growth without operational disruption
Protected leadership credibility with families and stakeholders
Created flexible spaces that adapt as programs evolve

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

Bettendorf Christian Church

Posted on February 8, 2021

To accommodate a growing congregation, Bettendorf Christian Church underwent a 16,000 SF addition and 10,000 SF renovation project. Their goals were to increase space, improve traffic flow and enhance their children’s and student ministries. The church determined a multi-use worship area that seats up to 850 with a gym layout would offer the greatest flexibility to convert the space for a variety of activities and events.

The Church’s gym/worship area includes a stage, a separate audio-visual area, and a baptistry. The welcoming front entrance provides an open space for members to congregate, the kitchen an opportunity to serve, and the cafe a way to enjoy coffee and conversation before or after services.