The New Trier High School board has awarded a nearly $885,000 bid in a first step toward the anticipated $75 million replacement of the aging Gates Gymnasium and construction of 12 classrooms.
At their June 7 meeting, board members approved an $884,902 bid package concentrating on utility and site preparation work as the school aims to upgrade its athletic facilities and provide the new learning environment.
Chris Johnson, associate superintendent, said there is an ongoing design development process, which includes a review of security, HVAC and other physical structures.
“Really exciting progress is being made,” Johnson said.
Johnson said this summer crews are slated to work on relocations of electrical and natural gas lines, along with the disconnection of the pool’s dehumidification and heating system from the steam boilers. Construction will also take place on a temporary parking lot.
School officials wanted to do the work during summer vacation to avoid disrupting activities once students return in August.
“It allows us to get a good start for this project,” Johnson said.
In addition, Johnson said school officials are scheduled to appear before a series of Winnetka boards and commissions over the next six weeks seeking approvals for the work. Johnson told New Trier board members that village approvals could come as soon as July 6, or might be in the first week of August, depending on the availability of the members of those bodies.
Finally, Johnson anticipates two cost estimates would be completed this month for the vast majority of the work set to be bid out by the end of the year. If the project is seen as over budget, school officials would meet with the construction companies to find ways to “get back in line.”
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“We are watching all these things closely. It is definitely an interesting environment to be bidding in but overall the contractors are eager for work,” Johnson said. “We expect that to continue through the fall and I think that will lead to some favorable pricing for us.”
Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2023, Johnson said.
A highlight of the project is to replace the Gates Gymnasium that is nearly 100 years old, Johnson said. Other athletic features include an auxiliary gymnasium, an indoor track, a strength and conditioning facility and an indoor climbing wall.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter.