Piedmont construction update: Intermediate, Stone Ridge and elementary projects move to bidding; groundbreak set for March 3

Contractors and designers updated the Piedmont School District board on interior finishes, materials and the construction schedule for the new Piedmont Intermediate and related bond projects, saying site work will begin March 3 and that major trade packages are being bid this week and next.

The presentation, led by members of the design and construction team, showed color and material selections that the team said were chosen for durability and wayfinding. “Everything weve picked is a highly durable material, so that you dont have the cost or the issue of maintenance every year,” the designer said, describing painted concrete block, tile and other finishes intended to reduce recurring repairs.

The designers showed renderings of the media center, cafeteria and gym. The cafeteria will use sliding glass (rather than a coiling door) to open the serving area to the commons; two commons areas will include hand-washing stations; the gym will include a full stage with curtains, stage lighting and acoustical panels; and six retractable, height-adjustable goals were noted for the gym floor.

Construction manager Jacob (construction presenter) told the board that major packages—interior finishes, concrete and steel structures among them—"are bidding this week and next week," and that the district should expect a final guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the portion shown at the next board meeting. He said the intermediate and the Stone Ridge storm-shelter addition will be combined in bidding and built concurrently with the same contractors; the elementary project is scheduled to follow about a month later, with its early site packages starting this month.

The team also reported a separate scope of work for middle-school lighting that crews will begin installing this week, with fixtures expected to be in place by spring break, depending on final delivery dates. On staging for Stone Ridge, the team said work will be phased so it does not interfere with current drop-off and pick-up patterns: utilities and work west of the road will start first, with demolition and the main build occurring after school ends for the term.

Board members asked schedule and coordination questions during the presentation; the construction team said they would return next month with the final GMP for the boards consideration.

The presentation and schedule update were informational; no board action on the construction packages was taken at this meeting.