Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Construction Renovation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homestead High renovation nears completion; board hears demolition and budget update
Summary
Contractors showed demolition progress on the Homestead High freshman academy and the board received a monthly budget update saying the project is nearly complete and largely expended.
MSD Southwest Allen County Schools trustees received an update Feb. 14 on construction work and January spending for the Homestead High School renovation and additions project, including onsite demolition of the former freshman academy and a report that the project budget is nearly fully expended.
Contractor Jay Wilhelm of Hagerman Construction presented photographs and a short video showing demolition of the former ninth-grade academy and progress on new additions, including a corridor that will connect to the new cafeteria, a new media center in the old auditorium, and performing arts support spaces. “Everything that’s in dark roof was the original facility,” Wilhelm said, describing the phased work. He also noted crews are sorting recyclable decking, structural steel and concrete; some roofing and other materials are not recyclable and will be managed as construction waste.
The nut graf: The board packet included a budget report through Feb. 14. Presenters said the renovation additions project is substantially complete and near its expected financial endpoint, with the project described in the meeting as 97% expended.
A staff finance report summarized expenditures through Feb. 14. Presenters reported total project expenditures “just over $191,000,000” and noted interest and dividend receipts totaling “just over $6,400,000.” A board member asked where spending stands; staff responded the project is at about 97% expended.
The presentation also highlighted completed elements now in use or ready for occupancy: a gender-neutral bathroom, final cleaning in some rooms, south serving line work in the cafeteria renovation, and performing-arts locker rooms that will receive mirrors, lighting and makeup outlets. Demolition of the old academy includes salvaging and crushing concrete for recycling and segregation of recyclable metal.
Board members asked for clarification and were told monthly budget spreadsheets in the packet show the expenditures summary. No additional project approvals or changes to scope were proposed during the update; staff said they would continue monthly reporting.
Ending: The board received the updates and had no objections; staff and the contractor said work would continue through remaining phases while monthly financial reporting continues.
