By Chris Bavender
Work on the Student Activity Center and associated classroom additions to Zionsville Community High School is two to three weeks ahead of schedule and should be completed by the end of May, according to school officials. That means other projects can start sooner than anticipated.
“We will then start immediately on the interior renovations of the existing auxiliary gymnasium, which is being converted to a new band and choral suite,” said Bob Bostwick, COO for Zionsville Community Schools. “Conversion of the old band room, weight room and wrestling room into flexible classroom space is also planned to begin this summer. When complete, the project will have increased student capacity of the high school by approximately 400 students.”
The construction contracts total approximately $7 million, according to Bostwick, plus other soft costs for construction management, architects and other expenses for a total project cost of roughly $9 million.
“All of this cost is paid for by remaining funds from the 2005 construction bond,” he said. “In other words, no new debt has been incurred as a result of the projects and improvements.”
The work isn’t expected to disrupt students or school-related activities.
“Skillman, our construction manager, is working closely with our high school staff to create a seamless transition between use of the existing and new spaces,” Bostwick said. “Everyone, including our students and staff, is excited about the opportunity to use these new spaces.”
Unused contingency dollars will be put toward infrastructure and maintenance needs, Bostwick said. These include:
- Modifications to the boiler heating lines to replace failing underground lines between the high school and the Educational Service Center.
- Repairs to Zionsville West Middle School tennis courts and track
- Pavement repairs at Eagle Elementary, Zionsville Middle School, ZCHS and elsewhere
- Upgrades or replacement of outdated furniture and maintenance equipment
