Norwich school building committee hears construction update, approves moving and testing contracts

The City of Norwich school building committee heard an update on construction progress for its new elementary schools and approved a series of contract authorizations and project change orders at its meeting.

Frank Townshek of Downs, who presented the project update, said masons have completed much of the exterior masonry work and are progressing around Building A and Building B, and crews are focusing on enclosing the gymnasium, which he said is about 50% complete. "We currently have tenting up for the masonry on the backside of the building," Townshek said, adding that interior work — painters priming walls and carpenters hanging drywall — is moving steadily and that an extra weekend crew of about 23 carpenters recently helped accelerate drywall and taping work.

Townshek also reviewed budget allowances and contingency balances. He said subcontract allowances started at $457,706 and that "we have just…