Springfield Public Schools Pipkin Middle School

Pipkin Middle School Opens Early for Springfield Public School

Springfield, MO

Springfield Public Schools still needed its new middle school ready for students on the first day of school. Rather than focus on the time already lost, the project team concentrated on what it could control: early procurement, clear communication and steady progress in the field.

A shared focus between all parties helped Crossland receive the Certificate of Occupancy by July 1 and reach substantial completion on July 10 – more than two months ahead of the September 14 contractual completion date.

Located in Springfield, Missouri, the new Pipkin Middle School provides 113,879 square feet of space designed to support learning, activity and connection. The two-story school includes classrooms, laboratory spaces, a gymnasium and a cafeteria. Site improvements added a football field and track, expanded parking and new monument signage.

Recovering the schedule required close coordination among Crossland, Springfield Public Schools, Paragon Architecture, trade partners, suppliers and inspection teams. The team moved quickly to secure materials, confirm installation requirements and keep critical decisions from slowing progress. Regular communication helped everyone understand the priorities and work toward the same occupancy goal.

Crossland’s self-perform capabilities also gave the team greater control over several important scopes. Crossland crews completed concrete, rough carpentry and finish carpentry. Mobilizing the concrete team early proved especially valuable, allowing foundational work to move forward without waiting for additional resources. Crossland Prefab supplied rebar for the project, and Foundation Specialties Geostructural Construction (FSGC), a subsidiary of Crossland Heavy Contractors also played a role in the early stages.

The finished school balances durability with a welcoming, modern design. Brick masonry and composite cladding shape the exterior, while the interior features polished concrete, ground-face block, acoustic baffles, specialty wall panels and exposed structural elements. Epoxy terrazzo flooring creates a distinctive focal point in the cafeteria and provides a durable surface for one of the school’s busiest gathering spaces.

The project remained connected to the surrounding community throughout construction. School tours, neighborhood gift programs, a groundbreaking ceremony and a ribbon cutting gave students, educators, families and neighbors opportunities to follow the school’s progress and celebrate important milestones.

Pipkin Middle School opened ready to serve its students because the entire project team responded to a difficult schedule with urgency, accountability and collaboration. The result is a durable, thoughtfully designed school that gives Springfield students a place to learn, participate and grow.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Educational
Cost: $37,590,520
Size: 113,879 SF
Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build / Hard Bid, Design Build
Self-Perform: Finish Carpentry, Rough Carpentry, Concrete
Owner: Springfield Public Schools
Architect: Paragon Architecture, LLC