Construction administrators told the Holyoke Public Schools Building Committee that exterior work on the new Holyoke school is nearly finished and the project remains on schedule for substantial completion on July 1.

Chris LeBlanc, who led the committee’s construction update, said exterior brickwork is “about 95% complete,” a recent window test passed and crews are preparing the gymnasium and cafetorium for a concrete slab pour scheduled for Monday. “We’re on schedule, so that’s good, for substantial completion on July 1,” LeBlanc said. He reported steady interior progress, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in and about 80 to 100 workers on site most days.

LeBlanc said building inspectors and local officials have been performing required sign-offs on mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins, and that weekly site reviews and consultant inspections have found “very limited, if any, deficiencies.” He described the team’s role as inspecting work, preparing reports and submitting those reports to the building department; the collected documentation will support the final certificate of occupancy when the work is complete.

Project staff also reported logistics progress: rooftop HVAC equipment deliveries have started and will continue as cranes are available; temporary plastic covers remain on windows while the contractor expedites permanent installations; and temporary heating is in use to maintain safe interior temperatures for trades working during cold weather. LeBlanc said the contractor prepped the gym and cafetorium floors for the slab pour and will proceed with framing for the stage proscenium after the concrete is placed.

Margaret (project lead) thanked district staff for participation in FF&E and technology selection work; she said furniture deliveries are expected to begin in early July once long-lead items are ordered. During the meeting Petros, a member of the project team, announced he had accepted a new job and will remain available for two more weeks; Margaret thanked him for his work on the project.

The committee did not take formal action on construction items at the meeting. The building committee said it will continue weekly oversight and coordinate with the city’s building department through completion.

Ending: The committee scheduled its next meeting for Feb. 13; staff said they will continue monthly change-order reviews with a project subcommittee and keep the committee informed of remaining schedule and final inspections.