Posts By: Karen Free

County Hires Firm To Oversee Construction Of New Detention Center

A new Johnston County Detention Center will be constructed on this tract of land on US70 East of Smithfield near Yelverton Grove Road.                        2018 JoCoReport.com Photo

 

 

SMITHFIELD – Johnston County Commissioners have approved the hiring of M. Durwood Stephenson & Associates Inc. to oversee construction of the new detention center that will be built on Highway 70 East of Smithfield at Yelverton Grove Road.

County Manager Rick Hester received unanimous approval from Commissioners to hire the company.  Jimmy Boykin will be the representative from the firm assigned to the project.  The cost for construction management will not exceed $265,000, which is approximately 6/10ths of one percent the total cost of the project.

“We didn’t have anyone on staff to really handle that from the county’s perspective,” Hester told JoCoReport.  “I feel like we will save more money than the cost of the position from his knowledge.”

Boykin, who is Vice President of M. Durwood Stephenson & Associates has over 43 years experience in the building industry. He is a licensed general contractor and a broker.  Mr. Boykin also oversaw construction of the Workforce Development Center in Clayton and Neuse Charter School in Smithfield. He has assisted with construction of the Smithfield Town Hall, Princeton Town Hall, Four Oaks Town Hall, and addition and renovation to the Johnston County Water Plant.

Mr. Hester said the design phase of the new Johnston County Detention Center is currently underway.  He anticipates bids to be awarded for the new facility in early-2020 with construction beginning in mid-2020. Barring any delays, the new jail could open in early 2022.

Neuse Charter School Recognized For Architectural Design

Design Development Architects of Raleigh has been awarded “Outstanding School Design 2018” for two of their recent educational projects by American School & University, a premier publication celebrating the best in educational design on a national level.Neuse Charter School’s High School in Smithfield, and East Wake Academy’s Middle School in Zebulon were the only North Carolina schools to receive this recognition in 2018.  Architect Jonathan Medlin, AIA/LEED AP, was the lead designer on both projects.

Neuse Charter’s High School building was constructed as the anchor project to this growing campus.  It’s position at the front of the 26-acre site presents a fresh, contemporary face to welcome the community. The building design focuses on energy efficiency, well day-light spaces, and an architectural palette that parallels the higher education goals the school is aiming to promote.  During a private tour, NC Senator Richard Burr commented, “I’m blown away… this looks like a higher education building … This is one of the great success stories of the State.”  Other recognitions include:  NC School of Distinction, and NC Honor School of Excellence.

“We are extremely proud of the association with Architect Jonathan Medlin and the Design Development Architect Team,” stated Neuse Charter School Facilities Chairman – Lee Jackson.  “From day one, Design Development Architect President Jim Sherrer and Jonathan worked with the board of directors, school administration and Durwood Stephenson and Associates to assure that Neuse received a state-of-the-art facility that was within our budget and completed on time.  We are confident that this facility will serve as an educational beacon in Johnston County for years.”

 

Neuse Charter School will be featured in the American School & University Architectural Portfolio issue in late November 2018.

Neuse Charter School is a public, free-tuition school open to any child who is a legal resident of North Carolina. Located at 900 Booker Dairy Rd, Smithfield NC, the school’s mission is to provide a challenging learning environment, to keep expectations high and to make sure all students achieve their maximum potential. The school was charted in 2007 and offers grades K-12 and has an enrollment of approximately 950 students.
“This outstanding recognition exemplifies determination, sacrifices, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” states NCS Treasurer – Rodney Dunn.  “Charter schools do not receive any money directly to purchase land or build buildings for our students. We must be able to provide facilities and operate the school on the base allotment we receive from the State and County funds,” continues Dunn.  “We are currently working hard to raise money to help construct our next building that will provide our elementary and middle school students with a permanent home on campus. If an individual or company would like to help us by providing a direct tax deductible donation please contact us at 919-626-2300 or visit the school’s website.”