Construction marches on at the Mancos school site as the district upgrades, renovates and expands across the campus.
The entire remodel is expected to finish up by spring 2020, and when completed, will include expansions of the gym, performing arts center and elementary school, in addition to a new artificial turf football field. Of the project’s overall $25 million cost, $19.7 million comes from a Building Excellent Schools Today grant, while about $5 million is being supplied by a voter-approved bond measure.
“It’s progressing beautifully,” said elementary Principal Cathy Epps. “It’s just really exciting for me. We’re seeing it become a reality.”
Construction progress has been made available on the Mancos School District Re-6 website, updated on a weekly basis.
Gym makes progressWork on the historic Mancos school gym has been divided into the north- and south-side components, with progress on the north-side renovations furthest along.
When completed, the gym’s expansion will hold a lobby, ticketing area, restrooms and weight room, according to officials from Jaynes Construction Corp., the firm charged with completing the project.
This week, Jaynes is beginning drywall finishes and the installation of translucent panels on the north addition, according to the school district. On the south side, workers are continuing the electrical rough-in, roofing operations, concrete block veneer and plumbing top-out.
Construction on the gym additions is projected to conclude in May, after which point work will begin on expansions to the campus performing arts center.
Elementary additionThe elementary school additions began in fall and will include a new cafeteria, administrative space and library, according to Jaynes officials. In the summer, they plan to remodel the kitchen area too.
This week, work is moving forward on interior and exterior framing, along with on mechanical and the fire sprinkler rough-ins, and crews are beginning the exterior insulation and setting the scaffold.
The elementary additions are set for completion by August 2019, in advance of the 2019-20 school year.
Football and track fieldThe campuswide project also includes a new artificial turf football field, replacing the sod field the team has been using. In addition to the replacement turf, the field will have a new concessions building and new bleachers.
This component of the remodel is fairly recent, only beginning within the last few months. Four 70-foot-tall light poles, however, have been set up around the field.
This week, crews are pouring the slab for the concessions building, finishing up the storm drain installation and preparing and pouring the high jump curbs.
ealvero@the-journal.com