Construction crews used precise robotic technology to safely dismantle the original 92-foot smokestack in the courtyard.
Workers completed the concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls on the first floor and upgraded the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEPF) systems. This space will be painted, and new ceiling and flooring finishes will be installed in the coming weeks.
The first- and second-floor bathroom renovations are also progressing on schedule. The walls are framed and the rough MEPF infrastructure is complete. Crews will start hanging, mudding, and taping drywall shortly.
On the exterior, utilities were installed on the future turf field area. The retaining wall and sidewalk were filled in along Highland Avenue. The next steps include grading and installing the turf and athletic equipment.
Upcoming construction activity
- Continuing site work and grading for the future turf field
- Painting and installing ceiling grid and flooring on the first floor
- Grading the practice field site near the tennis courts
- Installing drywall, ceramic tile, and ceiling grid in the first- and second-floor classrooms
Did You Know? The smokestack at West High School was original to the building. Two workers in a nearby lift expertly maneuvered the robot, which was suspended in the air by a crane, as it disassembled the structure. The robot safely demoed the bricks, ensuring they fell into the designated area.
Snapshot of the brick after the smokestack was demoed
Workers installed the MEPF systems and poured the concrete in the laundry room
The second-floor bathrooms are framed, MEPF work is complete, and the in-wall support blocking is being installed
New CMU walls are complete in the first-floor classrooms
Site work continues on the future turf field