Oak Park and River Forest High School’s addition and renovation project reached several major milestones in September, district construction staff told the board on Sept. 25, including setting the project’s largest pool trusses and beginning Third‑Floor decking and mechanical rough‑ins.

Why it matters: The multi‑phase construction project adds new instructional and athletics space to the high school and has significant near‑term schedule sensitivity as crews move into enclosure work ahead of colder weather. Progress affects summer 2026 occupancy targets and the district’s capital planning.

What the board heard: Construction staff said two preassembled steel trusses — each approximately 100 feet long and weighing roughly 85,000–90,000 pounds — were lifted and set across the new competition pool earlier in August. With trusses in place, crews have been preparing the pool pad, completing excavation and starting related basement and locker‑room work.

District staff showed a recent drone video of the site and reported the following work in progress: Third‑Floor decking installed in portions of the addition, continued framing and masonry on basement and vertical walls, geothermal piping connections, and interior rough‑ins for mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The team said the first large gym and other concrete pours are scheduled in the coming days and that a larger crane will be used soon to set major rooftop mechanical equipment.

The project team told the board it plans to install a temporary roofing system and begin boarding and weather‑barrier work so the building becomes rain‑ and wind‑resistant before winter. That temporary roof will later be replaced by the permanent roof; staff said the temporary membrane also serves as an air barrier to protect quality and allow interior work to continue through colder months.

Budget and schedule notes: Staff reported the project is roughly 37% complete and that the overall contract value has not changed from prior reports. The contingency balance was reported at about 1.5%, and the team said about ten potential change items are under review for pricing and reconciliation; most are coordination or scope‑detail items rather than major scope additions.

Risks and mitigation: Construction managers flagged winter weather and the need to enclose the building as primary near‑term risks; they described a plan to accelerate enclosure work, add temporary heating/logistics and take advantage of stronger fall trade labor availability. The team said they are confident in the near‑term schedule and are monitoring trade availability, materials deliveries and coordination items closely.

Community note: Two commemorative beams signed by students and staff were scheduled to be set in the coming weeks as part of a symbolic topping‑event; construction staff noted those beams will thereafter be covered by finished construction but remain a part of the building’s structural record.

Next steps: The project team will continue steel, concrete and masonry sequencing, install temporary roof/air‑barrier systems before the worst winter weather, and return to the board with schedule and financial updates as change items are resolved.