Construction continues in the 2020-2021 School Year

After a hiatus in construction forced by COVID-19,  the Building the Future of Learning constructions projects continue to take shape as we head into the 2020-2021 school year. Here is a short video of progress make on the renovation of West Middle School, the new construction of Central Middle School, and the Portage Northern Natatorium.  Grand opening celebrations will be scheduled for a later date. 

Watch the Video Update 

New Traffic Patterns at Central Campus Due to Construction

There will be temporary traffic pattern changes at Central Middle School (CMS) and Central High School (CHS) from August to October of 2020. CMS parent drop-off will be on the west side of the new middle school building. Turn in at the light at S. Westnedge/McCamley Complex, and then make an immediate right turn into the service drive. (Pale green loop on the map). The CHS parent drop-off is the same as last year (turquoise color on the map).

 

Right turns only onto S. Westnedge will be allowed during school hours to help keep the traffic flowing. There will be a new temporary bus loop, and a new walking route for students. More details will be sent to CHS and CMS families in August. 

 

Construction progress continues to move forward through the winter months

Here are the latest updates on the Building the Future of Learning construction projects as of January 2020.

Central Middle School:

•       Continuing metal panel install on the exterior, but building is enclosed and dry
• ·     Drywall complete classroom wing all 3 floors. Finishes ongoing.
• ·     Drywall in other sections almost complete, finish painting has started in some areas
• ·     MEP rough-in almost complete, MEP Finishes have started

West Middle School Renovations:

• Phase 3: Woodshop, Digital Design, Art, Music, Choir & Orchestra are all moved and functioning in their new spaces.
• Phase 4: Science Room remodel, East (Old Art) was partitioned off over break, demolition ongoing.
• Phase 1: Former pool renovation to gymnasium: Ceilings and paint complete.  Floor slab prepped. Bathroom fixtures and partitions, entryway drywall, ceilings, flooring, finish paint on going. 

North Middle School

• Punch list work over break almost complete.
• Sound Attenuation panels (Tectum), Science room ceilings complete over break.
•  Did not get all the walls or the STEAM area due to manpower issues. 

Northern High School Natatorium

• Block ongoing, precast seating planks were set last week.  

Northern Athletic Event Facility

• Changes and fencing changes made

Central Athletic Event Facility

•         Punchlist, water issues, Sod, misc. grading: spring or as weather permits.

Construction Update:

With the cold weather moving in, construction at Central Middle School is moving indoors.
Drywall and interior work is happening in a temporarily heated space, while exterior
panels are being installed as the weather allows. 

Underground work is being completed at Northern’s natatorium. The foundation is set and
walls are going up. 

At West Middle School traffic is flowing normal at the bus loop, as the work that was impacting that area has been completed. The new gym is being painted and tile work is being completed. The STEAM area is being painted and polished concrete is being completed. 

Punch list items will continue to be worked on at other locations. Grading work still needs to be finished at the Northern Athletic Event Facilities (AEF) throws area, the Central AEF has a number of punch list items remaining . It is expected that the remaining punch list items at North Middle School will be completed over the holiday break. 

Ready to Start the Year with New Facilities

There has been alot of activity on PPS construction projects, especially as we get ready to start the 2019-2020 school year.  The first football game with be played in the new McCamley Stadium on Thursday August 29 with the kick-off event, First Night Under the Lights. Tickets are on sale at the Central High School Athletic Office.

Here are some of the things happening to prepare for the big night!

• Turf work for soccer and football completed
• Track surface completed and lines painted
• Team building exterior completed next week
• Concession buildings competed and inspected
• Northeast parking base coat completed
• Ticket booths competed
• South-end practice field regraded and irrigation installed

Across town the final work is underway to prepare the new North Middle School for students on September 3.

• Interior
• Schedule furniture installation will be complete
• Classroom punch list started along with final cleaning of all floors
• Vendor exciting site in process
• Final inspections completed
• Exterior
• Old North Middle school demolition completed
• Storm sewer work and parking structure under way
• Sidewalks completed
  
  
  
  

Crews are wrapping up summer work at West Middle School, ready to switch gears to projects that can be done while students are in class. Here is w hat was competed over the summer.

• Northweat waterline completed
• Interior walls and door frame painting completed
• New fire systems completed
• Scheduled electrical grids and HVAC completed
• Scheduled ceiling grids and lighting installed
• Reinstalling classroom technology
• Bathroom renovations in progress
• Re-entry move begins this week. 

 

Summer Construction Update

Summer construction is moving along quickly as the push is on to be ready for the beginning of the 2019-20 school year.

North Middle School

At North Middle School, the furniture is arriving and is being installed on the third floor. Meanwhile crews working their way down to the lower levels to finish ceiling tiles and flooring.

  Classroom Furniture

Science Lab Tables

Outside, the old North Middle demolition continues. The ground work is being completed and the first layer of asphalt for the parking lot will be down soon. Sidewalks are scheduled in a couple of weeks.

 Old North Middle School Demolition

West Middle School

With the exception of the construction signs and some fencing, things look pretty normal on the outside at West Middle School.  Inside, the first phase of interior renovations are underway.  The pool and bleachers have been demolished.  Plumbing and bathroom upgrades are being worked on, and a new fire system is being installed in addition to HVAC and electrical work.

Central Athletic Event Facility

The new turf is completed and the track surface is down. Lines will be painted next. The entrance gate and ticket booths area coming together. The exteriors of the team building and concession stand are being completed while the final touches are being added inside to be ready for inspection in three weeks.  You will soon notice the site beginning to be cleared for parking lot work.  You will be able to see it all at the First Night Under the Lights Celebration on August 29th.

Progress at Central Middle School And Athletic Events Facilities

Spring has sprung and so have the facilities on the Portage Central campus!  Here is the latest flyover video of the construction projects.