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Gonzales receives construction update on Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center; building now weather‑tight
Summary
Project managers told the council the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center is weather‑tight, roofs and storefront systems installed, and site work continuing; construction milestones and risks were detailed, and the city’s USDA loan and buy‑America requirements were discussed.
City contractors and the construction manager updated the Gonzales City Council on the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex, reporting the building is now weather‑tight and that interior and exterior systems are progressing toward finishing milestones.
Luis Flores, construction manager with Harrison Associates, said rough grading and the irrigation main are complete, both the metal and TPO roofs are installed, and storefront and curtain wall systems are in place; some pressure caps and frame work remain. Ron Cheshire and Kim Sison of Auto Construction presented photos showing storefront work, drywall progress and the teen innovation lab interior. Project managers said HPL panels and EIFS (stucco) work are arriving and being installed.
The team listed upcoming schedule milestones: landscape substantial completion is targeted for July 11; permanent power delivery is targeted for Oct. 27; and substantial completion for the complex is targeted for Nov. 17. Managers noted potential risks including late‑season weather, supply‑chain or long‑lead items, tariffs, and the timing of PG&E equipment procurement for permanent power. They said the project team worked early to procure long‑lead items and do not currently anticipate major delays.
On project management and funding, Harris and Associates reported it has conducted 39 construction meetings to date, processed 247 submittals, 95 RFIs and reviewed 23 change orders. Harris said USDA is a primary funding source for the project, requiring compliance with Buy America provisions; the construction team said they have been sourcing U.S.-built materials and compiling backup documentation to meet those requirements. Labor compliance monitoring and monthly schedule reviews are ongoing.
Community engagement work was highlighted: the Gonzales Youth Council (GYC) toured the site and participated in selecting some furniture and finishes; a recent “dry‑in” milestone event drew about 45 stakeholders, donors and city officials for a site tour and photo opportunity.
Council members expressed praise for the work and noted local anticipation for the teen innovation center and library components. The presentation closed with staff inviting council questions and noting they will return with future updates as the project reaches finishing phases.
The city also introduced Jorge Ochoa as a new Public Works intern; staff said he will assist with front-office duties and GIS mapping and visit project sites including the community center and the industrial wastewater pipeline.
