For six decades, the Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School was the cornerstone of its neighborhood. However, over time, the aging building’s infrastructure and outdated systems could no longer meet the needs of its students. That’s when Ajax Building Company stepped into help support a new mission: to create a state of-the-art facility to inspire learning and serve the community in new and meaningful ways.
FROM VISION TO REALITY
The new Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School spans 95,933sf and houses 42 classrooms, accommodating 906 students. The two-story building is designed around a “neighborhood” concept, with wings that create a central courtyard to encourage collaboration and a sense of community. Key areas, such as the media center and a multipurpose dining area, are strategically located to accommodate after-hours use and potential future expansions.
“The building isn’t just functional—it’s also inspiring,” says Jay Smith, President of Ajax Building Company. “This school is a reflection of the neighborhood’s history and its future potential.”
But the project wasn’t just about classrooms—the building doubles as a hurricane shelter, offering safety and security to the community in times of crisis. Ajax’s choice of durable, low-maintenance materials—tilt-up concrete walls with brick veneer accents—emphasizes a commitment to long-term functionality and resilience.
PUTTING DETERMINATION TO THE TEST
No project of this magnitude is without its hurdles, and Ajax faced their fair share. Tight deadlines, unforeseen tragedies, and pandemic-related disruptions tested the team’s perseverance, but innovative problem-solving kept the project on track.
A race against time. Meeting the deadline was a non-negotiable priority. With the students displaced to other county schools during construction, returning them to their local school on schedule was critical. Ajax implemented a “punch as you go” approach, conducting daily inspections to identify and resolve issues in real-time rather than waiting until the end of the build. This proactive strategy ensured that the project progressed efficiently and that the school would be ready for the new academic year.
“The pressure was immense, but the team’s ability to adapt and stay focused was remarkable,” shares Smith. “Every day was about finding solutions and moving forward.”
Managing loss. Midway through the project, the unexpected passing of the civil engineer created a gap in the permitting process. Her death profoundly affected the team, who had worked closely with her from the beginning. Despite the heavy loss, the Ajax team rallied together, maintaining their focus on the work she had contributed to and ensuring the project’s momentum wasn’t lost.
“It was a tough moment for the team,” Smith says. “We had to unite and find a way to honor her legacy. Her work was integral to the foundation of this project, and we pushed forward in her honor, ensuring the project stayed on track.”
Supply chain solutions. Pandemic-related delays compounded the challenges, particularly for critical materials like electrical gear. Ajax’s team contacted a GE plant in Mexico, which expedited production and delivered the necessary equipment in just four weeks. This creative solution allowed the school to open fully operational, avoiding temporary fixes.
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY
The Ajax team understood that building a school was also about fostering relationships within the community. From the beginning, they engaged residents through initiatives like job fairs to connect with potential workers, create economic opportunities, and raise awareness of the new school.
The job fairs proved to be an effective platform for engaging potential employees from minority communities. During these events, the team took the time to explain the available opportunities, address questions, and educate attendees about the local Office of Economic Opportunity and Ajax’s Minority/Women Business Enterprise Program. Ajax also engaged one of their Mentor Protégé program partners, Shifting Gears, on the project, expanding opportunity to local MWDBE businesses.
A NEW BEGINNING
The impact on the community was immediately evident when the school officially opened its doors. Hundreds of residents, school employees, and local leaders gathered for the ribbon-cutting, a testament to the project’s significance. As the project becomes a model for future improvements, its success goes beyond just the physical space.
“Our team believes in building not just for today but for the future of every student and every neighbor who walks through these doors,” says Smith.
