Construction on new Peck school remains on schedule; asbestos and old transite pipe drove some early change orders

The Holyoke Public Schools School Building Committee received a construction update reporting that major interior work at the new Peck school is on schedule and that earlier change orders were driven mainly by asbestos and abandoned utilities discovered during demolition and excavation. Chris LeBlanc, presenting construction administration progress, said crews are installing mechanicals, drywall and windows and that the project is tracking toward a July 1 substantial completion milestone to permit furniture, fixtures and equipment deliveries.

LeBlanc said the early site package exposed vermiculite and asbestos in concrete masonry units during demolition, prompting a larger early change order. During the new‑construction excavation crews also found some transite (old asbestos) pipe that had to be removed and shipped off, he said. “There wasn’t a lot of that, so it wasn’t a ... large amount,” LeBlanc said, adding that overall change orders remain low for a project of this size.

The committee heard specifics on interior progress: electrical, plumbing, fire‑protection and ductwork rough‑ins are underway; drywall taping and finishing and a first coat of primer have started in classrooms; work in the gymnasium and cafetorium is advancing; and windows are being installed on the north side. LeBlanc said inspections and weekly site walkthroughs have found few deficiencies and that subs have addressed issues quickly. He reported about 60–65 workers on site on good weather days and noted reduced manpower in winter conditions.

Substantial completion was described as the milestone at which the owner can begin occupying the building for non‑academic uses (receiving furniture and equipment, staff training and move‑in activities), while the contractor completes punch‑list items. “Substantial completion is really that milestone. When the owner takes ownership, we have a certificate of occupancy, and we can start moving things in, getting it ready for opening in the school year,” LeBlanc said. He noted that a final completion period of roughly 30–60 days typically follows while retained funds are held pending corrections.

Committee members asked about ongoing and future change orders; LeBlanc and Josh Littrell said only minor coordination items and a few value‑added owner requests remain. LeBlanc also said the team is reviewing a few owner requests, such as radio repeaters to improve staff radio communications inside the new building.

The presentation included photos of the cafetorium, gymnasium, main vestibule and a typical classroom and media center, illustrating progress. The committee discussed the possibility of future site tours and was reminded that FF&E deliveries are being planned once the contractor reaches substantial completion.

The committee will continue weekly construction oversight and receive further schedule and change‑order reports at upcoming meetings.