Caledonia Argus

Installation of cabinetry, windows in progress at new school

Posted: 4/2/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Tucked away in a corner of the 125,000 square foot building, The Argus found Joe Schoh of Eitzen and Bob Meiners of Caledonia steadfastly installing cabinets for instrument storage in the band room.

This was room #10. When asked how many rooms they had left to do, the question was met with rolling eyes and heavy sighs.

Schoh and Meiners have been contracted to install all of the cabinetry work in the new middle school/ high school. Of course, they admitted, they do receive some help when unloading the cabinets, which are shipped in from American Millwork.

Both are amazed at the sheer size of the school. Meiners said, ìItís quite a project. This whole project is mind boggling. It took me two days just to find my way around. Thereís so many people working.î

Just a tour of the high school portion takes at least 45 minutes. Itís easy to see how the building would be great for early morning walkers.

Everywhere you go, the different trades can be seen installing electrical wires, pouring over plans for where to install the new ductwork or spraying fire stop to steel beams.

There are over 20 trades working in the school at one time.

In the past three weeks, masons have completed the intricate puzzle of boys and girls locker room walls; they are now putting up some of the hallway in the middle school.

Three weeks ago, the concrete floor of the media center was poured. Now the floors are dry and glass has been installed in the corner windows facing the south. With the sunshine streaming in, the addition of comfortable chairs will exude a relaxed atmosphere.

Some wall boards have finally been placed over metal stud frames. Columns in the mezzanine that were once rough hewn cement have now been painted white.

The paint crew has painted the auditorium walls and added purple to some of the hallways in the middle school.

Scott Yaun of Hengel Brothers is showered with sparks while grinding a well nipple for one of the geo thermal loops. Each of the 392 wells have pipes that have to be individually fitted and welded. Every single pipe is given individual treatment.

Fourteen heating pumps have arrived and will be installed in the main air handling unit above the mezzanine. Each pump is equipped to handle 15 to 30 tons of air flow.

Bruce Bulman, board member of ISD #299, said everything is on schedule for the June 28 completion date. Concrete flooring that did not fit specifications are in the process of being ground down or filled in to meet the requirements.

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