Hopkinton construction update: Hopkins addition partial move-in planned; Charleswood on schedule and on budget
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Summary
Officials reported a partial move-in to the Hopkins addition over the December break and a construction schedule for Charleswood with student occupancy planned for January 2028. Presenters said both projects remain on schedule with modest change orders.
At the joint Hopkinton meeting on Dec. 18, district construction staff provided an update on two active school projects: the Hopkins School addition and the Charleswood new-build.
Hopkins addition: construction staff said the new Hopkins addition is scheduled for substantial completion such that students will begin moving some functions into the addition over the Christmas break. An inspection for a temporary certificate of occupancy is planned for next week; the new gym, multipurpose room (where lunches will be served during the transition) and classroom flooring were described as near completion. Staff said classrooms and offices will be relocated into the new addition (Area A) to allow renovations of the existing building (Area B) to begin; a punch list in Area A will be completed to facilitate the move.
Charleswood project: presenters reported that Charleswood remains on schedule and on budget. The team is planning geotechnical work (geothermal wells) and roadway work next summer; current targets listed were substantial completion in October 2027 and readiness for students in January 2028. Project expenditures reported in the presentation included architect and OPM billings (percentages of contracted work completed) and construction billings less retainage; presenters said those metrics reflect steady progress. Approved change orders this month were modest (~$20,000) and included tree clearing related to required pole locations.
Logistics and site details: for Hopkins the temporary kitchen trailer will continue to be used while kitchen work finishes; playground equipment and site asphalt binders are in place for access roads. For Charleswood, presenters noted that furniture/fixtures/equipment and IT/security procurement are upcoming phases not yet started; no quality or safety issues were reported at this stage.
Next steps: staff said they will proceed with inspections and owner punch-list items at Hopkins to enable the partial move and will begin roadway and geothermal work at Charleswood in the coming months. The construction teams are continuing weekly coordination and have signed off on increased on-site staffing to meet schedule milestones.