Wichita’s USD 259 is the largest district in the state of Kansas with more than 47,000 students. The food services team currently prepares more than 45,000 meals per day in a 1970s facility originally built to produce only 15,000 meals. After consulting with Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) about the project scope, a plan was developed to expand the facility.

The first part of the project was renovation of the loading dock area and construction of a large, gymnasium-sized freezer to accommodate the number of meals prepared daily. PEC Field Services oversaw the construction of the pre-stressed concrete panels that formed this part of the project. This included both inspection services and materials testing. Materials testing for concrete included three tests: the slump test to measure workability and consistency, the air test to make sure the concrete can expand and contract as needed without cracking, and strength testing to measure durability. Overall, the dock area was expanded from just 5 parking bays to 12.

The new 12,000 SF on-site freezer is more efficient and greatly improves the workplace for district employees. They can now drive right into the freezer and forklift the goods directly over to where they are needed. Another benefit to having a freezer built on-site is savings for the district in third-party freezer rental, fuel to pick up the frozen items, wear and tear on district vehicles, and employee time.

With this renovation, the loading dock will now be completely covered, and it will be equipped with block heaters to keep the district vehicles ready to go in any weather. With the reduced lead time in getting ingredients out of freezer storage and a more efficient system for the trucks, the kitchen team will be able to have a wider selection in the menus they create. This will provide more nutritional meals and a better day-to-day experience for the students.

SERVICES
Materials Testing

PROJECT SIZE
12,000 SF

COMPLETION DATE
2024