Caledonia Argus

School retrofit proceeding as planned

Posted: 10/1/02

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

The retrofit project at the former high school is proceeding as planned, according to Kraus-Anderson project superintendent Ken Cote'. The majority of the demolition work has been completed, and much of the reconstruction is well underway.

Inside the school, duct work is being undertaken by Master Metals, a sprinkler system is being added by Viking Sprinkler Company, and the kitchen is being re-tiled by Wisconsin Tile. Smoke detectors are being installed in the main gym and a ventilation system has been added to let air into the tunnels beneath the school.

Kraus-Anderson personnel noticed that the tunnel beneath the school was retaining moisture, so in addition to the ventilation inside the school, measures have been taken outside to ensure that water doesnít seep in. A rudimentary drainage system has been added and the elevation of the ground in front of the school has been altered to divert water away from the tunnel. So far, these steps have minimized the amount of moisture levels in the tunnel.

The street on the east side of the school, adjacent to the old elementary school, has been designated as the loading zone for buses. Gates have been installed, and the north side of the lot will be converted to visitor parking spaces. In the next few weeks, the southeast corner of the lot, in addition to part of the schoolyard bordering the lot, will be prepared for the installation of a playground. Sod and clay will be removed in anticipation of the equipment which is scheduled to be put in sometime this spring.

At the rear of the school, new sidewalks have been laid, and the parking lot is scheduled to be patched with asphalt in the near future. In addition, the parking lot will be extended approximately 35 yards into the practice field.

New windows have been installed around the school, and bricks have been laid in place of the old ventilation units that protruded from the exterior of the school.

Barring any unanticipated problems, the retrofit project is slated for completion by late February, Cote' said.

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