Willmeng Construction and the Davis School District celebrated the completion of the Burton Elementary School expansion and renovation project with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the school year. The 7,820-square-foot project, which broke ground in January 2026, delivered critical safety enhancements and modern learning environments to the Kaysville campus.
Facility Upgrades and Security
The renovation features a new administrative office suite, a redesigned secure vestibule, and a clearly identifiable main entrance intended to improve both accessibility and security. Infrastructure improvements were prioritized during the construction, including seismic roof upgrades, replacements for aging HVAC units, and a modernized fire alarm system.
According to Willmeng Project Manager Monica Hurst, the addition and remodel provides more than just new square footage. "It's a new opportunity for every student who walks through these doors," Hurst said. "These new spaces are where students will learn, discover what theyre good at, build friendships, and make memories that will stay with them long after they leave these halls."
Donated Courtyard and Classroom
A notable component of the project was the inclusion of a newly redone courtyard and outdoor classroom. While this scope of work was part of the original project plans, it was initially removed to ensure the project remained on budget.
Willmeng Vice President Nick Slye described the courtyard and outdoor classroom as "the missing piece that needed to be here," noting it was a "must-have" for the team. To ensure the feature was completed, Willmeng donated the necessary funds to cover the costs.
Construction Challenges and Logistics
The project team, which included MHTN Architects, managed the complexities of working within an occupied building while overseeing the school's seventh addition. The most difficult portion of the work involved the re-roofing process, which included seismic upgrades and new mechanical systems.
This specific scope of work had to be completed over the summer break using multiple crews strategically sequenced to meet an accelerated time frame. To manage displaced classrooms during the construction, Willmeng worked with the Davis School District to ensure portables were in place and ready for the students' first day of school.
School Leadership Reaction
Principal Jennifer Malan expressed gratitude for the effort required to meet the school opening deadline. "It has been a long summer and The Willmeng team worked 15 to 20-hour days to get us to a point where we can open up school," Malan said. "Im so proud of the work that Willmeng has done."
Community Funding and Support
Davis School District Board member Julie Powell credited the community's vote for a bond for providing the necessary funds to keep the school safe and functional. Powell also acknowledged the construction team's ability to manage various difficulties, including flooding and unexpected issues encountered during the process.
About Willmeng Construction
Willmeng Construction, an employee-owned commercial general contractor established in 1977, is based in Phoenix, Arizona, with additional offices in Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, and Dallas. The company specializes in ground-up and tenant improvement projects for public and private markets across the Western United States.
