Classes don’t start until Aug. 22, but work has not stopped throughout the summer at Lyons Township High School District 204.
Most of the general renovation and cleaning work at both the north and south campuses is slated to be finished the start of classes. Some special projects on the north campus will take a bit longer.
Replacement of a steam pipe that is part of the heating system on the north campus will continue into the school year.
A large hole has been dug outside the building on Cossitt Avenue to replace the decades-old pipe. The hole is surrounded by construction fencing and the replacement work will not impact classes, said Brian Stachacz, director of business services.
“It looks like a pipe that really needed to be replaced. It’s about 60 years old,” he said.
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The leak was discovered later in the school year, which also means the delivery of the specialized pipe will take time.
“It was an emergency project. It went out a bit later,” said Ed Wright, the district architect.
The work on the steam line replacement began Aug. 8 and is expected to take about three weeks to complete. It is expected that the pipe will be in place before the start of the heating season, which is usually begins in October. The cost of the project is estimated at $643,000.
The district also has replaced mechanical equipment at north campus that will allow for air conditioning on portions of the second and third floors of the building. The estimated cost of the project is $1.4 million.
“We’re pushing cold air into the building,” said Stachacz.
He added that temperature controls work will continue after the start of the school year, but will not affect classes.
“These activities will continue slightly into the school year, but will be in remote locations and will not disrupt classroom activities,” he said.
The district also has removed asbestos from a study hall at north campus and is replacing ceiling tile, flooring and lighting. The project is estimated at about $80,000 and the addition of the new lighting and other items is slated to be finished by the start of the school year.
“We’re going to be right down to the wire on that one,” Wright said..
The district also is replacing the rigging in the Reber Center theater on the north campus. The cost is about $412,000.
“All of the steel work has been completed and many of the components are installed,” Stachacz said. “This work will be completed by the Sept. 30 completion date,, but may wrap up sooner.”
Stachacz noted that the costs of all the projects being done have not been finalized and could still be affected by changes in construction or allowances.
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