Summer school for trades includes renovations at two elementaries
Date Posted: September 1 2017
BATTLE CREEK - Building trades workers last month were moving quickly on renovations and additions to two elementary schools to get them ready for the arrival of students next week, although work will continue well into the school year.
A $30 million, 30-year bond approved by Lakeview School District voters in May 2016 to implement building upgrades and additions, initially focuses on two elementary schools, Minges Brook and Prarieview. Work began at Minges on April 3, and at Prarieview on May 1.
"The construction brings a mess and a lot of congestion, but with patience we will really enjoy walking into the space next fall where the heat works and the building is safe and secure," Superintendent Dave Peterson told the Battle Creek Enquirer about work at Prarieview. He said the heating system has been very difficult to regulate.
A stately building completed in 1930, Prarieview at 1675 Iroquois Ave. is getting about $5.6 million in upgrades. The trades are installing a new heating and air conditioning system, and more. They are remodeling the school's front office and adding security features, installing electrical upgrades, and are building new art and music classrooms, as well as a new cafeteria and kitchen. The district is spending about $5.6 million
Built in the 1960s, Minges Brook Elementary at 435 Lincoln Hill Drive, is getting about $5.85 million in improvements. Asbestos abatement preceded construction. It will get a new main office, new cafeteria and two new classrooms, for art and science. Work will also include new hot water boilers, new ventilation units and new air conditioning in all rooms. Six bathrooms will be remodeled. Mechanical, electrical and lighting systems will be renovated. The district also is replacing every window in the school building.
Work on the projects is being managed by CSM Group. At Minges Brook, Senior Project Manager Brian Roy said getting a sufficient number of tradespeople to man the project has been a challenge in a very busy local construction economy. "We're working hard to get the building ready," he said. "They're really going to like it, this place is going to be nice."
BUILT IN 1930, Prarieview Elementary School in Battle Creek – with its classic school design – has been undergoing a major renovation this summer.
WE ASKED THIS GROUP of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 333 members to have their photo taken while waiting for materials coming in from a forklift in a second-floor classroom window at Prarieview Elementary in Battle Creek. They include: Thomas Draffen, Jordan Grove, Dale Barr and Ben Murphy. They’re employed by Hunter Prell.
WE ASKED THIS GROUP of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 333 members to have their photo taken while waiting for materials coming in from a forklift in a second-floor classroom window at Prarieview Elementary in Battle Creek. They include: Thomas Draffen, Jordan Grove, Dale Barr and Ben Murphy. They’re employed by Hunter Prell.