Photo courtesy AGC of Washington Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers donated more than $3.2 million to help build Mount Rainier Lutheran High School in Tacoma.

A unique partnership between two AGC general contractors made a long-time vision of the Lutheran congregation come true with the completion of the Mount Rainier Lutheran High School in Tacoma.

John Korsmo Jr. and Darron Pease quickly embraced the project because of their personal ties to the church. While fundraising for the school had been successful, building and land acquisition costs still exceeded the budget.

Korsmo and Pease rolled up their sleeves, with Pease & Sons acting as construction manager and mechanical contractor, while John Korsmo Construction became the general contractor.

The two companies hosted an informational kick-off breakfast meeting in April 2004 for suppliers and subcontractors. This approach resulted in more than $3.2 million of in-kind contributions from area companies.

John Korsmo Construction credited back $290,000 in donated craft labor, materials and donations. Pease & Sons credited $257,000 in construction management/mechanical management, gifts-in-kind, and donated materials.

The 53,000-square-foot school is home to 225 students.