Madison Middle and Waco projects moving; Phillips Building renovation nearing final stages

MADISON COUNTY — District construction contractors reported measurable progress at three sites during the March board meeting, with on-site crews preparing floors, ceilings and exterior concrete and contractors forecasting near-term milestones.

Johnson Smith of Branscombe Construction updated the board on Madison Middle School and the Waco Elementary project. At Madison Middle, crews have painted corridors and offices, installed most corridor lighting and are preparing to lay terrazzo and gym floor materials; Smith said terrazzo delivery was expected the next week and that gym flooring installation could begin in about three to four weeks. He reported that 60%–70% of HVAC units were online and that additional units and ductwork would come online the following week.

At Waco Elementary, Allen Company mobilized and completed site stripping and stockpiled topsoil. Smith said contractors hope to begin footings in about 30 days if weather cooperates and that a spill pad is expected to be complete on a similar timeline.

Tony Thomas, representing the architectural team on the Phillips Building project, presented before-and-after images showing extensive interior and exterior work. Thomas said much of the exterior brick and metal panel work is complete, site grading and concrete walks are progressing, and interior lobby and office finishes are substantially advanced. He and board members noted the site’s landscaping and that some exterior caulking and final grading remain.

Why it matters: The progress updates identify near-term schedule milestones the district will watch as it prepares for occupancy and site completion. Contractors signaled that weather and material deliveries will drive final sequencing for footings, flooring and exterior paving.

Ending: Board members praised the work and noted that on-site progress will enable upcoming progress meetings and photo updates to the district website.