BASCOM - The day is getting closer and closer for the staff and students of Hopewell-Loudon Local School District to move into the new building.
The project, which started in 2011, is now in its final phases of construction. There is still some flooring, ceiling and electrical work that needs to be completed along with paint touch-ups.
"The project is on time and under budget," Nichole Jiran, superintendent, said.
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An aerial view of the construction site.
"We still have to finish construction on the building, which might possibly need to use some of our contingency money, and we have yet to bid the demolition of this building. Based on our construction manager's estimates, we are doing quite well at this point in the project compared to our original budgets," Jiran said. "We have been fortunate that we have not encountered any major issues during initial ground preparation (where many projects go over budget) and our last bid packages for loose furnishings and technology came in under budget."
"Our utility costs will be going up due to having a larger building with air conditioning and controlled air handling systems. However, we have many items to be more energy efficient," Jiran said.
"First off, the classrooms are all designed to maximize natural light. The rooms also have lights that are on sensors so they turn on when there is movement. We have a unique heating and cooling system called chilled beam (utilizes hot and cold water) that reduces heating and cooling costs."
The old building will be demolished in June with the old furniture and equipment auctioned off. The Chieftain gym that was built in 1988 will remain as a third gym for students and the community to use.
"The rest of the area will become either a parking lot, a grassy area or part of our bus storage," Jiran said. "The area in front of the building where the flag pole is will remain as many items that are there were planted or placed there as memorials to past students."
"The coolest thing has been that it has changed from looking like a construction site to a school building," Jiran said.
