Construction update: Yukon High performing arts center and indoor practice facility progress, PAC due next summer

Manhattan Construction representatives presented a progress update to the Yukon Board of Education on two major Yukon High School projects: the performing arts center (PAC) and the indoor practice facility (IPF).

John Furlong, project manager, and Mike Holland, project director for Manhattan Construction, walked the board through photos and milestones, describing work on the storm shelter, the pre-engineered metal building for the indoor practice facility, and construction of the PAC’s auditorium and stage house. Furlong said the IPF slab work has been completed in large sections and described roughly 45,000 square feet of slab on the western half with a similar 45,000 square feet completed later—about 90,000 square feet total for the indoor field footprint.

The contractors described a 300-ton crane lift to set preassembled panels for the storm shelter and work to enclose the IPF to make the building “dry,” allowing interior finishes to proceed. Furlong explained safety features for the storm shelter, including ceiling “shrouds” above penetrations designed to deflect debris in extreme weather, and pointed to mechanical and exhaust systems installed for the indoor facility. The wrestling room was described at approximately 9,500 square feet. The IPF will include turf, wall pads and unit heaters for winter use, and 10 overhead doors for ventilation.

On the PAC, Furlong outlined a Building Information Modeling (BIM) process used to coordinate mechanical, electrical, plumbing and theatrical systems before construction. He described an 8-foot-deep subterranean orchestra pit and “pit filler” system that allows the pit to rise to stage level, a rising seating riser system, and extensive scaffold work to reach catwalks and complete high-level mechanical installs and acoustical deflectors. Drone photos showed the site footprint across roughly 15 acres; the contractors reported the project had “topped out” and was moving into decking and exterior skin work.

Schedule updates presented to the board put the PAC on track for completion in late July next summer, while the IPF showed a March target that the contractors said they might be able to beat. Board members asked about orchestra practice-room finishes and curtain-wall glazing; the contractors said the auditorium will include sound-rated elements while the practice-room shell will not receive full soundproofing at this stage. On glazing, the contractors noted that windows associated with storm shelters are required to meet ICC 500 storm-front ratings, but typical curtain-wall glazing elsewhere is standard commercial glass.

The board thanked the construction team and noted appreciation for the project’s progress. Contractors said drone and progress photography occur monthly; the board was shown images of staging, steel erection, roofing, and the south curtain-wall elevation.