Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities Construction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Auditorium demolition begins; HVAC lead times and roof work could affect projects and costs
Summary
District facilities staff reported demolition at the Municipal Auditorium has started ahead of schedule and that HVAC lead times (about 30–31 weeks) and roofing needs at Central School could push completion into spring 2026 unless bid packaging and scheduling are adjusted. Staff flagged that compressing schedules can increase costs.
Haddonfield facilities staff updated the board on Jan. 8 about several capital projects, saying demolition at the Municipal Auditorium has already begun and that some long-lead equipment and roof work present scheduling and budget risks.
According to the update, the Municipal Auditorium obtained permits sooner than expected, demolition of seating and related work started the week of the meeting, and the elevator punch list at the high school stadium is being completed. Facilities staff said the HVAC unit for the auditorium has a manufacturing lead time of roughly 30–31 weeks and that installation requires crane work; that schedule means the HVAC may not be available until early April and could complicate finishing work because new finishes cannot be properly conditioned during installation.
Staff reported a pre-bid meeting has been held for renovation work at the district—s 1890s building (Central School) with bids due Oct. 10 and an expected award on Oct. 16. Central School—s roof, originally planned for 2027, is in worse condition than anticipated and staff are considering moving the roof project into summer 2026; bundling or separating bids could materially affect costs. Facilities said smaller interior alterations (converting a library to small-group instruction, nurse-office reconfiguration) will also be staged.
Facilities staff cautioned that compressing schedules to meet earlier occupancy deadlines can raise costs through overtime or additional crews. They asked the board to consider calendar decisions that allow substantial completion, inspection and room re-setup before students return.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with contractors to refine procurement schedules, confirm lead times for long‑lead equipment, and report firm completion dates to the board so the calendar and occupancy decisions can be finalized.
