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District outlines Phase 2 school renovations: Grover Cleveland and Strong Vincent estimates top $64 million
Summary
Architects presented scope, phasing and cost estimates for phase-2 renovations at Grover Cleveland Elementary and Strong Vincent Middle School, including an elevator, a new gymnasium addition at Grover Cleveland, major electrical switchgear replacements, and estimated costs of roughly $23.3 million and $41.2 million respectively.
District architects and engineers presented plans and cost estimates for the next wave of Erie City School District renovations, focusing on Grover Cleveland Elementary School and Strong Vincent Middle School as Phase 2 priorities.
John Finn of HHSDR and consultant Jim Bazzini outlined the scope for Grover Cleveland: site work, interior finishes aligned with HVAC upgrades, an accessibility elevator to serve three levels and a proposed gymnasium addition that could double as temporary classroom space during renovation. Finn said the gym addition would allow the district to phase work and reduce multi-year relocation costs.
Architects called attention to the condition of both schools' electrical switchgear. Consultants said long lead times for new switchgear (historically 40 to 52 weeks) require early procurement. Neil, an electrical consultant, explained that the switchgear consolidates incoming high-voltage service and distributes power to many panels; much of the existing equipment dates to the 1950s and is nearing 50–70 years old.
The team provided cost estimates and a tentative schedule. For Grover Cleveland the construction estimate totaled about $19.2 million and, with soft costs (fees, permits, contingency), a projected total around $23.3 million. The team estimated asbestos abatement could come in under $500,000 based on preliminary knowledge of floor tile and pipe insulation.
For Strong Vincent Middle School, a larger building with similar vintage, consultants estimated construction at about $34.1 million and total project costs including soft costs at about $41.2 million. Strong Vincent's work would include comprehensive HVAC upgrades, plumbing and a complete electrical overhaul. Because of building size and the presence of public spaces (gymnasium, auditorium), architects said phasing that relies on summer work windows will be essential.
Timelines described: early design and switchgear procurement in 2025 with bidding targeted in late 2025; designers and the district hope to have switchgear onsite in mid-2026 so construction of Grover Cleveland additions and elevator can begin in 2026 with a projected substantial completion around late 2027. Strong Vincent's renovation is planned to start later and be staggered behind Grover Cleveland.
Board members asked whether air conditioning would be included; architects said AC would be offered as an alternate bid. Trustees also asked for clarification of asbestos-cost exposure, and consultants said early testing and removal planning would be part of the design phase.
No contract awards or spending authorizations were made at the Jan. 8 meeting; the presentation was framed as a project-development update the administration and architects will refine with further site investigation, cost refinement and scheduling.
