Blach Construction Completes Transformative Summer Modernization Projects for Multiple Bay Area Campuses

"These types of modernization projects, while smaller in scale, are critical to student comfort and success, as well as to maintain the longevity of school facilities."

"Our dedicated teams and partners worked tirelessly this summer to ensure that when school doors reopened, students and staff returned to refreshed, inspiring and safe spaces that promote growth and well-being.”

This summer, Blach Construction (Blach) completed several significant modernization projects across Bay Area school districts. Providing necessary infrastructure and classroom environment upgrades, proactive collaboration and innovative solutions were utilized to complete projects within budget and on a short timeframe.

“These types of modernization projects, while smaller in scale, are critical to student comfort and success, as well as to maintain the longevity of school facilities,” stated Mike Grzanowski, Blach Vice President of Operations. “Our dedicated teams and partners worked tirelessly this summer to ensure that when school doors reopened, students and staff returned to refreshed, inspiring and safe spaces that promote growth and well-being.”

Sunnyvale School District – Cumberland Elementary School

Blach completed a campus-wide modernization project at Cumberland Elementary School, encompassing 10 buildings. The project prioritized energy efficiency, functionality and aesthetics through several key upgrades. Existing HVAC systems were replaced with high-efficiency electric units and advanced Pelican controls were installed. Lighting was upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs and new carpet flooring was added. Exterior improvements included a full repainting of all campus buildings, ensuring architectural consistency. Early engagement with electrical and HVAC trade partners allowed for detailed site investigations, proactively identifying space constraints and allowing for the selection of alternate materials. As a result, delays were reduced and installation was streamlined, keeping the project on budget and schedule.

Oak Grove School District – Christopher Elementary School and Stipe Elementary School

At Christopher Elementary School, an infrastructure and classroom upgrade project involved modernizing HVAC systems, upgrading the fire alarm system and enhancing classrooms with new casework and wall finishes. The campus exterior also received a full repaint. Due to the project’s scope and a late approval from the Division of the State Architect (DSA), construction was divided into two phases. Phase 1, completed in under eight weeks, focused on HVAC installation, new ceilings, fire alarm upgrades and all exterior improvements. Phase 2, scheduled for completion in Summer 2026, will concentrate on interior modernization.

At Stipe Elementary School, Blach modernized multiple classroom buildings and implemented accessibility upgrades. This included new wall finishes, casework, painting, electrical upgrades, ADA improvements for restrooms and toilets, fencing and accessible parking upgrades. Despite a shortened schedule due to delayed DSA approval, the project team quickly adjusted, prioritizing a complete and refreshed campus experience. This summer, two of the four classroom buildings underwent full modernization, while the remaining buildings received impactful improvements such as new paint, flooring and furniture.

Hillsborough City School District – Crocker Middle School

Crocker Middle School received new HVAC and roofing systems, enhancing the school’s infrastructure and providing a more comfortable environment for students. Despite late DSA approval, the team successfully delivered the project on an accelerated schedule through careful planning and sequencing. Roof work was prioritized first, allowing for efficient installation of the new HVAC equipment and ensuring all buildings were ready for students’ return. In parallel, the team rerouted the campus water main to support future phases, providing close coordination with the City of Hillsborough and regular updates to those impacted by the scheduled water shutdowns, while executing the work in a short timeframe.

Redwood City School District – Taft Community School, Hoover Community School, Roosevelt School and Adelante Selby School

This comprehensive HVAC modernization project successfully upgraded four campuses: Taft Community School, Hoover Community School, Roosevelt School and Adelante Selby School. This involved replacing over 300 outdated heat/vent units with new all-electric HVAC systems. The project also encompassed Siemens control upgrades, structural reinforcements, roof patching and the installation of roof fall protection systems to enhance safety.

Despite challenges such as accommodating added scope and late DSA approval, the project remained on schedule, demonstrating remarkable adaptability. Early preconstruction efforts and the strategic installation of unplanned temporary AC units ensured a comfortable learning environment for students at the start of the school year.

Blach’s successful completion of these diverse modernization projects underscores its commitment to creating optimal learning environments across the Bay Area.