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Contractor replaces mechanical subcontractor as Louisa County middle‑school addition continues; officials say school won’t bear cost
Summary
Architects reported the project remains largely on track after Nielsen Builders notified the district that the original mechanical subcontractor stopped work. Materials were moved toinsured storage and the contractor has posted a material payment bond, officials said.
Jeff Hart, an architect with RM Architects, told the Louisa County School Board the New Middle School addition remains under construction after Nielsen Builders notified the district that the mechanical subcontractor stopped performing work.
"Our contractor is Nielsen Builders, and they had informed us, last Wednesday that the mechanical subcontractor is doing our business," Hart said, describing the subcontractor as the contractor responsible for heating, ventilation and plumbing work. He said Nielsen is hiring a replacement subcontractor, that two workers were on site the morning of the meeting to continue rough‑in work, and that shipped equipment has been moved to insured warehouses while the team secures onsite storage.
The district’s project presenter, speaking alongside Hart during a photo update, said recent drone and interior photos show masonry, brickwork and interior partitions progressing. He pointed to a new poured concrete slab for the cafeteria and showed framing and door‑frame installation along academic corridors.
Financial detail in the presentation showed the addition has spent $8,792,863.95 to date, representing 33.82% of the project budget, and the architect reported the project is 42.02% complete. District staff told trustees there are currently no change orders for the month and that payments to RM Architects for consulting and design are documented in the meeting folder.
Board members asked about schedule impacts and project risk. Hart said the contractor and replacement subcontractor hope to avoid a schedule delay, but acknowledged the change could require additional time. He emphasized the contractor had posted a material payment bond and that "there is no responsibility dollar wise for the school" for the subcontractor’s failure, adding the bond and the contractor’s contract are intended to cover those financial risks.
Trustees were shown interior images of classrooms, science labs and the planned cafeteria; district staff said the project team is planning a groundbreaking ceremony for the next phase and that officials will present finalized design documents to the board as those elements go out to bid.
Board members and staff did not take a formal vote on the construction update at the meeting. Questions about the contractor’s replacement schedule, final completion date and any future change orders were left open; staff said they will continue to monitor schedule risk and report back to the board.
