Early cost estimates for the renovation of three elementary schools, the intermediate and senior high schools, including a reconstruction of the natatorium, is more than $226 million, according to a project status update presented to the school board March 11.
The project is on track, with construction scheduled to begin late next year.
“This is our basic outline, an overall project timeline status of each of the buildings that we are working on right now, and where we are going to go from here,” said David Schrader with project architect Schradergroup — A Hord Coplan Macht Studio.
The project team provided updated plan designs and estimated timelines and costs. The last update was provided in September, and another one is scheduled for the June 3 school board meeting.
Other project representatives at the meeting included construction manager SitelogIQ and the McClure Company, which is performing an investment-grade audit for the purposes of entering into a guaranteed energy savings contract.
“Good news. Since September, when we presented that schedule to you, we remain on that schedule,” said Michael Arnold of SitelogIQ.
Biweekly meetings continue with the project contractors, district administration, staff, board meetings, construction management and design teams.
“The next presentation in June will be the conclusion of the design development phase, design concepts and progress, and new estimations based on that information,” Arnold said.
Rough renovation work is planned during the summer months, which will be less disruptive to students.
Hosack, Ingomar and Peebles elementary schools are all getting work done, including renovated building layouts, additional large group instruction rooms, security upgrades and more.
The schematic design cost estimate check as of March 11 for the three elementary schools is $10.4 million for Hosack, $10.7 million for Ingomar and $10.6 million for Peebles.
Conceptual phasing timeline for Hosack and Ingomar will include first additions to be built in the spring of 2027 through August 2027. Rough renovation work will be done in the summer of 2027. To-be-determined “second-shift” renovations are planned for the 2027-28 school year, with finishes and final sitework occurring the summer of 2028.
For Peebles, the timeline is similar with phase one additions occurring into October.
Construction on the high school, titled Phase 1, will take place through 2027 with estimated completion in October 2028.
A major component of the senior high is an updated natatorium, with plans to include a second pool. An updated auditorium design also is being studied.
Potential construction challenges expected with the current senior high project include reduction of parking during construction and the need to relocate pool activities because of the pool’s closure.
There may be a potential interruption of athletic and other after-school activities in the summer, construction noise and additional traffic.
Early estimations for the senior high depend on which design option is selected for the pool, ranging from $31 million for the second option or $33 million for the initial design.
The firms seem to favor the second pool option, citing several benefits including better construction logistics and a reduction in structural impact at the building tie-in because of the orientation of the existing structure to the addition. It’s also less expensive.
North Allegheny Intermediate High School, which is a more robust project, is still in its schematic design and design development phases. Early projections anticipate construction from 2028 through August 2030.
Along with NAI’s plan, there is discussion to build an alternate construction traffic route from Duncan Avenue that could be permanent. The team toured school districts with designs that could fit for NAI, including Chartiers Valley, Peters Township and Sewickley Academy.
Potential designs include a large commons room, which can act as both dining and an active learning space, theater room designs featuring a multipurpose balcony with seats that can fold away, and a dedicated technology and innovation center.
Spaces for differentiated learners and flexible learning environments were common themes in the designs they studied.
Special District Zoning within McCandless zoning regulations allows for a five-story building or 68 feet tall.
NAI’s early schematic estimate check, as of March 11, is nearly $164 million.
These projects fall in line with the North Allegheny Strategic Comprehensive Plan’s fourth goal of creating Facilities of the Future, Schrader noted.
The project team also is interested in providing educational opportunities of the construction process with students of all three levels, teaching them about the design process, career awareness and the trades.
In his 35 years in education, North Allegheny Superintendent Brendan Hyland said these groups, companies and individuals “have been absolutely fantastic to work with, probably the best in business.”
