Frustrated by construction and funding requirements, the town turned to Grubb & Ellis Co. for a solution, says Richard Cooper, senior vice president in G&E's Miami office. Cooper orchestrated the innovative public-private venture that will see the school erected in July, seven months after the deal was done.

"The town was having difficulty putting together the financing, development and management of the construction of its new school," Cooper says. "Workstage was the perfect solution for them, because of their unique approach, financial market knowledge and quality product."

The Michigan developer specializes in raised-floor construction which places air conditioning systems, data and voice cabling and electricity under the floor instead of above the ceiling.

"When the electrical outlets are in the floor, you can put a computer wherever you want," Cooper says. "It also makes the buildings healthier because the fresh-air supply comes up from the floor, pushing used air out vents in the ceiling and creating a healthier environment for the children who spend their days there."

Cooper says Workstage estimates their buildings operate at a cost of 25% to 35% less than a traditionally constructed building; cost 10% less to build; and can be completed in half the time it takes to build a conventional structure.

Chancellor Beacon Academies of Coconut Grove, FL will operate the Oakland school. Workstage plans a comparable school project in Florida next year.

Steelcase calls itself the largest office furniture manufacturer in the world. Gale Co. oversees 60 million sf of commercial properties throughout the United States. The firm is completing a 1.2-million-sf building in Boston that has been leased to single tenant in the largest leasing transaction in Boston real estate annals. Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds backs Workstage.