Gecko News (1-8-2021)

Bond Update

GARFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                                              Project Manager: Wenaha Group

MAJOR ADDITION AND REMODEL                                              Architect: DLR Group

                                                                                                             CM/GC Contractor: Fortis Construction

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Addition of six (6) classrooms, create collaborative and small group learning areas, expand the library/media center, renovation of existing classroom spaces, add covered play shelter, improve ADA accessibility, renovate restrooms, repair concrete floor foundation, replace the kitchen flooring, upgrade finishes in shared spaces with floors, paint, and ceiling, secure front entry, office modifications, improve site circulation and parking, repair/replace sidewalk, seismic upgrades, fuel tank decommissioning and upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

SCHEDULE

CURRENT ACTIVITIES

• Modular Classrooms:  ready for students – power, data, projection equipment, dry erase and tack boards completed.  CSD teams continue to fine tune furniture placements as they work with the individual teachers.
• With teacher and office staff back in the building, construction crews have shifted to the new admin, media center and Area C expansion construction areas.
• The new admin area is nearly complete with rough in and drywall delivery is scheduled for Friday December 11^th.  That should start to really transform the space. Exterior windows and skin were installed this past month as well as roofing, on days the weather allows.
• Phase II (new addition work) – slabs are down 100% for the building and framing in proceeding.  Roof trusses for area C are scheduled to be delivered later this month.
• Site work on the south side of the school made great progress this month with sidewalks being completed and landscaping substantially complete.
• West wing classrooms and hallway are turned over to the district and available for use.  Remote learning has been using these spaces.
• Fortis’ subcontractors continue to work installing landscaping and sidewalks.
• PIPC (city related work) continues and a strong effort is being made to wrap up any loose ends so that pavement patching will complete before the year end.
• Re-roofing of the west wing and the gym is complete.  Roofing is focused on the new admin area and will shift to the east wing as weather permits.

ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR NEXT QUARTER

• Roof and truss framing for area C.
• Admin wall and ceiling finishes.
• Furniture selections are being made for the areas that turn over end of summer 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Classroom finishes are complete.  Staff and students (limited) are using the west wing of the building.
• Garfield front office staff are now using the temp office space for the remainder of the 20-21 school year.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

• Keeping construction traffic separate from the school activities requires additional efforts.  Meetings are happening with contractors to aid with scheduling and access at certain times when students are not present.