New Indoor Athletic Facility for American Leadership Academy Breaks Ground

Eckman Construction Breaks Ground on New Indoor Athletic Facility for American Leadership Academy

Eckman Construction announces the groundbreaking of a new $13.5 million indoor athletic facility for American Leadership Academy, a K–12 charter school located in Spanish Fork, Utah. The 53,500-square-foot facility will provide students and the community with state-of-the-art amenities that promote health, wellness, and athletic achievement.

Designed by NJRA Architects and being delivered using the CM/GC method, the project represents a highly collaborative effort between Eckman, the design team, and the Academy. Construction began in August 2025 and is scheduled for completion by June 1, 2026.

K-12 Construction with Safety as Top Priority

Because the new facility is being constructed adjacent to the existing school, safety and security have been central to planning. Eckman developed and is implementing a detailed safety plan that emphasizes communication with school leadership, ensuring that construction activities do not disrupt the daily operations of the active campus and keeps students, faculty, and the public safe.

State-of-the-Art K-12 Athletic Center

When complete, the new American Leadership Academy athletic center facility will feature an enclosed full-size indoor turf field, gymnasium, basketball courts and bleachers, weight room, medical training room, coaches’ offices, and equipment spaces. Eckman is providing all concrete and site work, as well as the full construction of the pre-engineered metal exterior and interiors.

The Value of CM/GC Collaboration

Miguel Lopez, Eckman’s Preconstruction Manager, highlighted the benefits of the CM/GC delivery method, which integrates the contractor early in the design process to enhance value and cost efficiency. Prior to construction, a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $13.9 million was established, providing budget reliability for the Academy.

“Our early involvement in the design process made a significant impact on making the project feasible within the firm, not-to-exceed budget,” Lopez explained. “By identifying utility relocations and recommending alternative finishes for flooring, tiles, and wall panels, we reduced costs by over $200,000—without compromising quality or design intent.”

Investing in K–12 Communities

Eckman Construction is proud to bring its expertise to educational projects throughout Utah. “We’re committed and enthusiastic about building spaces that enrich learning and community experiences,” said Cooper Eckman, President of Eckman Construction. “This facility will provide tremendous opportunities for American Leadership Academy students, and we are honored to help bring this vision to life.”