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District seeks emergency authorization to repair South Campus gym walls; cost estimated at $443,700
Summary
District staff requested emergency approval to remove and replace deteriorated glazed block in four South Campus gymnasiums, presenting a contractor quote of $443,700 from HAP Builders who are already on site for related work.
District staff asked the Lyons Township High School District 204 Board to authorize an emergency repair to glazed block veneer in gymnasiums at South Campus, presenting a contractor estimate of $443,700 from HAP Builders.
Brian Sanchez and the project architect, Ed Wright of DLA Architects, told the board the block veneer has separated from the masonry backup because it lacked adequate anchors and has deteriorated after repeated impacts. Wright said the structure is steel‑framed with block infill and the work would replace the glazed veneer with anchored concrete block tied back to the structure.
Sanchez said the district could bid the project, but a standard public bid and selection process would likely push the work into the school year and force gym closures for several weeks. HAP Builders, the general contractor on the South Campus cafeteria and music wing project and already mobilized on site, proposed to perform the repair this summer to avoid removing multiple gyms from service during the school year. "We have the oversight built in," Sanchez said, noting cost and schedule advantages from using a contractor already mobilized on campus.
Architect Wright said the likely timeline for the masonry replacement would be roughly four to six weeks once work begins; staff emphasized the district is using the cafeteria space for meals now and cannot further reduce available gym floor time during the school year.
Board members asked whether non‑masonry alternatives, asbestos, moisture and aesthetic treatments were considered. Wright and Sanchez said the team evaluated drywall and other finishes but concluded anchored concrete block is more durable in heavy‑use gyms; there is no asbestos concern and the district will paint the new block; higher‑end finishes would increase cost.
Staff said they will bring the emergency authorization forward at the board's regular action meeting for formal consideration; the packet included HAP Builders' quote and photos of the damaged veneer.
Board members and staff noted the cost reflects extensive labor and site mobilization rather than only material, and that doing the work this summer would minimize disruption to instruction and extracurricular activities.
