Building Spaces for Growth: Pressman Academy’s Experience with EPI Construction
When Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am set out to expand and modernize its campus, they needed a construction partner who could balance creativity, precision, and speed. For Jacqui Jacobs, President of the Temple Beth Am Board of Trustees, the choice to work with EPI Construction proved to be transformative; and, not just for the campus, but for the entire school community.
A Vision Realized
EPI Construction completed three distinct and important projects that have reshaped the school’s overall learning environment. They built two brand-new classrooms on an existing building rooftop, a complex effort that required craning in supplies while minimizing disruption to a campus already bustling with teachers and students.
They also brought to life the Lee & Luis Lainer Middle School Mercaz, a new two-story facility consisting of three separate buildings tied together with a spacious second-floor courtyard. This project created a dedicated home for middle schoolers, giving them space to learn, connect, and grow.
In addition, EPI expanded and upgraded existing classrooms, pushing out several interior spaces into an existing outdoor area, and installed floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the spaces with natural light. Together, these projects totaled $13M and were completed on an extraordinarily tight timeline: to open in time for the first day of school!
A Partnership Built on Trust
Jacqui attended weekly construction meetings to ensure the school’s and Temple’s needs were always considered. She describes working with EPI Construction as nothing short of remarkable: “This is hands-down the best construction team I have ever dealt with. Bill, Aaron, Rick, Mike, and the rest of the team were so dedicated. They dealt thoughtfully with problems, always jumped in to help solve issues, and worked with such calm professionalism.”
When unexpected challenges arose, such as the need to push through inspection approvals without delaying progress, EPI tackled them head-on, proactively collaborating with inspectors and problem-solving with persistence and creativity.
Impact on the School Community
The results of EPI’s work are visible everywhere on campus. For the first time, middle school students have their own appropriate age space, separate from preschoolers, which has transformed daily life for students and teachers alike. Expanded classrooms now allow the school to welcome more families and create an environment better suited to modern education.
“The school functions completely differently now,” Jacqui explains. “We can serve more families, and our students can fully enjoy spaces designed just for them.”
Exceeding Expectations
For Jacqui and the Temple Beth Am community, EPI Construction exceeded expectations on every level, through thorough problem-solving, attention to detail, and a commitment that extended beyond project completion.
Her recommendation to others considering EPI is clear: “Absolutely, YES! I will sing their praises for all time to anyone looking for a reputable, knowledgeable construction company.”
With diligence, knowledge, and a direct approach, EPI Construction didn’t just build classrooms, they built opportunities for learning, growth and community.
