Evergreen Elementary construction is 'moving along extraordinarily well,' presenter says

The Evergreen Elementary construction team reported substantial early progress and a tight but moving schedule, the board heard. The project's presenter said sidewalks and utilities are in place, footings have been poured and crews are prefabbing walls on-site, and the team will present GMP 3 — the guaranteed maximum price that will encompass the full project budget — at the next board meeting.

"The project is moving along extraordinarily well," the presenter said, adding that crews have executed three contract amendments and are starting long-lead work. Board members asked for clarifying dates and renderings; the presenter said 90% construction documents are due Oct. 19 and 100% documents are expected mid-to-late December. During follow-up questions the board and staff discussed commissioning and occupancy timing, with staff reiterating plans for substantial commissioning prior to occupancy and continued adjustments after move-in.

The board also was told that progressive design-build allows for on-the-go value engineering and constructability reviews required by OSPI, and that the district is monitoring weather and other risks because the schedule has limited float. Staff highlighted that the district will aim for a turnkey building so technology, heating and other systems work when students arrive.