Holmen Middle School construction advances; LMC framing and gym bathrooms progress

Construction at Holmen Middle School, part of the Holmen School District, showed visible progress in February as crews moved from weather-delayed exterior work to interior finishes and completed major masonry tasks, project superintendent Brad of NEXUS Solutions said during a brief on-site update.

The update matters because finishing the Library/Media Center (LMC) and other interior spaces will allow the district to shift classrooms and open upgraded restrooms. "Last month, we talked about the LMC. It's been going great," Brad said, describing framing, window openings and masonry work that will support the roof.

Brad, project superintendent for NEXUS Solutions, said crews faced slow exterior progress during freezing weather but advanced interior tasks. "It slowed down outside. We weren't able to mix mortar and do anything with water due to the freezing temperatures, but it picked up inside," he said. As temperatures warmed, crews resumed exterior work.

On the LMC, Brad said framing and bulkheads are up, window openings have been formed, concrete masonry units (CMU) are being set, and lintels are being installed to support the roof. "We start getting a measure for aluminum frames," he added. Sheetrock installation and taping are under way on the second floor, with first-floor drywall also progressing.

For the new south addition, Brad said crews expect to complete the final pour on the second floor and finish the remaining exterior CMU to enclose the building and begin finishes. He also described work around drinking fountains and wing walls near what he called the bedroom area.

Work in and around Gym B includes north-side boys' and girls' restrooms being started and the south-side girls' restroom already opened, Brad said. He described these bathroom projects as a chance to get "ahead of schedule."

When asked about the project's next major goals, Brad said the immediate priorities are painting and interior finishes so the district can move classrooms into the completed LMC space. "Next biggest goal is get paint going in here, get finishes going, get the LMC finished up so we can move some classrooms over there," he said.

Greta, a student at Holmen Middle School who conducted the update interview, closed the segment by thanking Brad and noting the monthly update will continue. "Thanks for the update, Brad. We'll see you next month," she said.

No formal decisions, votes or funding details were discussed during the update; the discussion focused on construction progress and near-term schedule targets.