With construction costs stabilizing, the Finance Committee of the District 233 school board is ready to accept bids for culinary and science construction projects at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
The culinary project, which was bid in October, was put on hold because the projected cost was about $1 million over the $3 million budget. When the district goes out for bids in April, the culinary and science projects will be bid as one package. The board is expecting the total cost to be between $17 million and $20.9 million. The board borrowed $20 million for these renovations.
At its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 7, the committee got a review from staff of DLA Architects on the proposed two-story science wing to be constructed on the east side of the South Building. The building design has been short-listed as appropriate for a Net Zero designation by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, according to Ryan Kelley of DLA Architects.
DLA is helping the district complete the application process. The proposal is to have the building use solar and geothermal systems to provide power for the science addition. The building itself will also need to meet green building standards, according to Kelley. That could mean thicker walls, greater insulation and multi-paned windows. The foundation would offset these costs with a $2 million grant.
Superintendent Scott Wakeley said estimates are the green energy science wing would save the district approximately $85,000 a year in energy costs.
The building design calls for a two-story entry way atrium that can be used for instruction and guest presentations and serve as a central learning and commons area. Breakout rooms will be next to each classroom. The building is designed to bring in as much daylight as possible from windows and skylights. The building will have an interior green wall, and outdoor classrooms on both the first and second floors.
If bids are accepted, the plan is for foundation work to start on the science wing in summer so walls will be up and the space will be enclosed by the time winter weather sets in. The culinary project in the North Building would begin at winter break. Wakeley said that schedule worked best for the faculty. It allows introductory level classes to continue without interruption. The biggest part of the culinary project is adding a commercial/industrial style kitchen.
Committee member Pam Jackson asked DLA representatives how they will solicit minority bidders for the work. Ed Wright of DLA said they know of minority contractors and will send bid information to them.
District 233 getting ready to solicit bids for culinary, science building projects
By Marilyn Thomas
With construction costs stabilizing, the Finance Committee of the District 233 school board is ready to accept bids for culinary and science construction projects at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
The culinary project, which was bid in October, was put on hold because the projected cost was about $1 million over the $3 million budget. When the district goes out for bids in April, the culinary and science projects will be bid as one package. The board is expecting the total cost to be between $17 million and $20.9 million. The board borrowed $20 million for these renovations.
At its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 7, the committee got a review from staff of DLA Architects on the proposed two-story science wing to be constructed on the east side of the South Building. The building design has been short-listed as appropriate for a Net Zero designation by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, according to Ryan Kelley of DLA Architects.
DLA is helping the district complete the application process. The proposal is to have the building use solar and geothermal systems to provide power for the science addition. The building itself will also need to meet green building standards, according to Kelley. That could mean thicker walls, greater insulation and multi-paned windows. The foundation would offset these costs with a $2 million grant.
Superintendent Scott Wakeley said estimates are the green energy science wing would save the district approximately $85,000 a year in energy costs.
The building design calls for a two-story entry way atrium that can be used for instruction and guest presentations and serve as a central learning and commons area. Breakout rooms will be next to each classroom. The building is designed to bring in as much daylight as possible from windows and skylights. The building will have an interior green wall, and outdoor classrooms on both the first and second floors.
If bids are accepted, the plan is for foundation work to start on the science wing in summer so walls will be up and the space will be enclosed by the time winter weather sets in. The culinary project in the North Building would begin at winter break. Wakeley said that schedule worked best for the faculty. It allows introductory level classes to continue without interruption. The biggest part of the culinary project is adding a commercial/industrial style kitchen.
Committee member Pam Jackson asked DLA representatives how they will solicit minority bidders for the work. Ed Wright of DLA said they know of minority contractors and will send bid information to them.