In 2010, a team of architects and engineers at BG Consultants completed a feasibility-location evaluation, assessing the potential for construction of a 60,000 square foot elementary school facility. The greenfield site studied is in an area of rapid growth in west Manhattan, Kansas, near the intersection of Amherst Avenue and Miller Parkway. Features considered for the site included the allocation of a 58,000 square foot turf play area, a 29,000 square foot surfaced play area, a 44-space parking lot and associated access drives, and a bus drop-off area.

After exploring three alternative site planning layouts, BG estimated costs ranging from $1,140,000 to $1,950,000 for the development of a 9- to 10-acre campus on the district property. Both single-story and two-story school facilities were designed, each integrated with the site to provide opportunities for reduced or increased grading. Using the results of BG’s study, the district procured the recommended property for a future school facility.