new North High update

...asking for an update on how North High is going. Biancheria points out that people are "more than interested"
Allen: taking ownership from city next week if all goes well
temporary certificate of occupancy
furniture and fixures coming in daily
gym and auditorium are complete
minor punchlist items to complete...in process to complete
word out to School Committee on when we take ownership
front has been fully landscaped
temporary parking lot in place; permanent parking lot is on the old North building site
demolition of old building and creation of new athletic fields over the course of the next year
is our list the city list? Yes. Permit to occupy the school comes with permanent occupancy
construction continuing all next year means city will continue to be involved
Boone: goal is that by this time next year we'll be entirely done
Biancheria asks for this as a report

Update: We got an official summary of this. I'm posting it here after the jump:

Last evening the School Committee asked for an update as to the progress of the construction and completion of North High.  The following provides some the details that we discussed last night:   

The City of Worcester and the Maguire Group (owner’s representative) have completed and issued the punchlist items for the entire building to the general contractor.    The City of Worcester building inspector has granted a temporary certificate of occupancy.  The final certificate of occupancy will be issued at the end of July.   Finish construction activities and punchlist resolution is ongoing throughout the building. 

The commissioning agent is fully engaged in the project with onsite visits.  Testing and balancing of the HVAC systems are near completion.  Installation of the photovoltaic system will commence in August. 

Furniture fixtures and equipment deliveries have begun with the installation of library shelving and tables.  The teacher’s desks and chairs as well as the student desks are currently being delivered and installed. Other FF&E items are being delivered on a daily basis including; sports, music and art materials as well as facilities management equipment. Contents from the old North have been moved into the new building and surplus materials from the old school are being distributed to various other schools. 

Owner training for the many systems in the new building is near completion. Custodians and Maintenance personnel have attended all of the various trainings. The fire alarm and security systems have been programmed. The scheduling of the HVAC system and lighting control system is ongoing.

Exterior grounds work almost complete. Paving complete along with the line marking. Sidewalks and exterior signage complete. Final installation of plantings underway with watering ongoing throughout the summer.

Designs for Phase 3 and 4 of the project which include abatement and demolition of the existing school and construction of athletic fields and parking lots are underway.  The abatement/demolition consultant began building testing at the end of June.  The consultant will be finalizing the bid package for Phase 3 abatement and demolition in July with an anticipated bid date in August.  Abatement and demolition is expected to begin in October and ending in March 2012. 

Phase 4, athletic fields and parking lot, will be out to bid in November and expected to begin April 2012 and ending July 2012.  

I am aware that Dr. Friel is working on plans for the formal dedication ceremony of the school in October.

We anticipated taking possession of the school from the city next week.  We will provide an update to the School Committee once that occurs.  In the meantime, should you have any questions, please contact me.     

Brian E. AllenChief Financial & Operations Officer