SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – Summer 2021, Part 2

Now that summer has come to an end, a few SG projects are wrapping up while construction continues on many others. A few of the construction projects currently underway include the additions and renovations to Knapp Elementary School for the North Penn School District, the demolition of the existing Springfield High School and construction of new athletic facilities for the new high school, the new PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center, the new Upper Merion Area High School, additions and renovations to two School District of Philadelphia Schools, Anne Frank Elementary School and Benjamin Franklin Middle School, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center for the Community College of Philadelphia, and additions and renovations to two Council Rock School District Schools, Hilcrest Elementary School and Sol Feinstone Elementary School, among others.

North Penn School District – Knapp Elementary School, Additions and Renovations

In Lansdale, PA, a phased plan for additions and renovations to Knapp Elementary School is underway. This project has a complex phasing schedule in place so that classes can remain uninterrupted as the school year begins.

The first phases of the project included classroom renovations, many of which are complete. The remaining classroom renovations are underway at various stages.

The renovations to the core of the building, including the new entry, cafeteria, and LGI are ongoing. Steel and glulam beams are fully installed in all of these spaces. An important milestone, the completion of the main entrance, is fast approaching. This addition will act as the connector for the two parts of the school while the renovations to the core are underway. The students will be using the gymnasium as a temporary cafeteria this fall.

Springfield School District – Springfield High School, Existing High School Demolition, Visitor Side Bleacher, and Athletic Fields

In Springfield, PA, demolition work is speeding up. The existing Springfield High School is substantially demolished, the stone retaining wall construction is ongoing, and lot paving has begun for parking. After the completion of the existing high school’s demolition, work will begin on new athletic fields, turf fields, and tennis courts where the original school stood.

The visitor side bleacher construction is progressing and is expected to be completed in time for the first home football game at the new high school and stadium.

Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC)

In King of Prussia, PA, concrete slab placement at the new Regional Traffic Management Center has been completed on each floor. Waterproofing of the concrete footings is complete, the underground plumbing has been installed, and the steel column baseplates are in place.

The site retaining wall is complete, as is the majority of steel and decking. CMU installation in ongoing and interior metal stud framing has begun.

Upper Merion Area School District – New Upper Merion Area High School

Moving on down the road in King of Prussia, construction of the new Upper Merion Area High School continues. Structural steel framing for the major spaces is ongoing while the exterior envelope starts to give the building its form. Masons have been busy with brick work and CMU walls.

As concrete slabs are completed throughout the facility, MEP rough-in work continues closely behind. Activity on site recently picked up as carpenters started on the interior partitions.

Now that the underground tunnel is  complete, the gym and pool areas are getting footings and foundations started.

School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Additions and Renovation

In Philadelphia, construction has moved quickly at Anne Frank Elementary School, with the addition complete in time for the new school year.

Community College of Philadelphia – New Career and Advanced Technology Center

Staying with construction projects in Philadelphia, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) for the Community College of Philadelphia is progressing nicely. All building trades have been working diligently on both the exterior and interior of the building, with the next major milestone being the completion of the building enclosure in the next few weeks.

The new CATC will offer excellent views of the Philadelphia Skyline. The project is on track for a February 2022 completion.

Bristol Township School District – Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Additions and Renovations

North of Philadelphia, demolition work at Benjamin Franklin Middle School is complete and interior framing and stud work has started.

Additionally, site work for the new addition is in progress, with concrete footings now installed.

Council Rock School District – Hillcrest Elementary Schools, Additions and Renovations

Heading north towards Council Rock School District, SG has wrapped up interior demolition at the Hillcrest Elementary School, with the kitchen, administration, toilets and library areas completely demolished. Rough in has started throughout for all trades.

During construction, Hillcrest Elementary School students will be temporarily moved to a vacant CRSD school for the upcoming school year. The project is moving ahead quickly with E&S controls and fencing already in place.

Council Rock School District – Sol Feinstone Elementary Schools, Additions and Renovations

Staying in Council Rock School District, SG is working on phased renovations for another elementary school, Sol Feinstone Elementary School. Unlike Hillcrest, which will have students attending classes at a nearby vacant elementary school, Sol Feinstone will be 100% occupied throughout construction. This will result in the construction of temporary classrooms and a temporary egress stair that contains a pathway for students to safely traverse while the addition is underway.

The summer phases for this project are currently under construction, and interior and exterior demolition has recently started. E&S controls are in place and excavation for the new addition is currently underway. Pier footings and foundations at the new classroom addition are ongoing as well.

It is always exciting to watch our design work become reality! We would like to thank our clients, consultants, contractors, and all other team members for your dedication and support of the on-going efforts for these projects!

Learn more about these and other exciting SCHRADERGROUP projects here!