New flooring, painting nearly completed at new middle school

Construction on track for August opening, managers say

By Amie Johansen

amie@charlescitypress.com

A floor so clean you could eat off of it — well maybe not quite dinner plate clean, but the second story of the new Charles City Middle School does indeed have flooring. Besides flooring, sprinkler systems, ductwork, lighting fixtures and a few ceiling tiles are falling into place in the classroom portion of the building.

According to Estes Construction Project Manager Kirk Lundberg, finishing coats on the second floor are starting to be completed. First floor painting is also well underway.

The classroom portion of the middle school was the first part of the construction project to begin. The commons area and the gymnasium followed. An open, balcony-like concept was designed for the commons space. This includes the use of natural woods in an open ceiling and large windows.

“The windows rolled up this morning,” Estes Construction Project Manager Scott Sheller said. With windows on site, it is only a matter of time before they are installed. Sheller estimates the windows will be placed by the end of next week.

Sheetrock was being installed in the gymnasium Thursday morning. Ductwork and sprinklers are expected to start next week, Sheller said. Skylights are also beginning to be placed in the gymnasium.

Despite Wednesday’s rain, and consequently mud and puddles, Lundberg and Sheller fully expect the construction project to finish in time for teachers to move into the new space in August.