Harbor Springs school construction projects 'well underway'
HARBOR SPRINGS — Construction projects that are a part of the first series of bond plans for Harbor Springs Public Schools are continuing on schedule.
The district's board of education met on Monday to get a project update from Plante Moran Realpoint. Projects slated for the first series of work include the demolition of Shay Elementary School, construction of the new elementary school, an HVAC project at Blackbird Elementary School, and more.
The two Plante Moran Realpoint representatives said the projects are “well underway” and are hoping to get roof systems buttoned up so more work can be done internally during the winter.
Shay Elementary was demolished in November 2022 and construction officially began in May 2023. The building’s construction is on track to be done in summer 2024, with plans for occupancy in August or September.
There will be small final projects to close out after occupation begins, but the building will still be set up and ready for students.
As a part of the series one bond project list, Blackbird HVAC system upgrades are scheduled for summer 2024, and the scope of the project may expand depending on the results of an electrical survey. Right now, the HVAC systems are expected to go to five classrooms, though more wings may be considered for HVAC systems after the survey is completed.
In addition to the updates, the group briefly touched on series two projects, including Ottawa Stadium upgrades and an addition at Harbor Springs High School. More details are set to come before the board at a later date.
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The representatives said the only issue the group had during the bidding process was specifically for landscaping beds. Even after hearing interest from landscapers, no bids came in. They will be going out to bid again, with a goal to try to get landscaping planted in May.
While waiting for construction to wrap up on the new elementary school, Blackbird Elementary and Harbor Springs Middle School are housing more students than they normally would. Blackbird Principal Nathan Fairbanks thanked the teachers who are sharing classrooms and closets.
"I can't thank our elementary staff enough. I know that it's exciting to see what the new building will be, but the reality of it is we're sharing closets and that we're between two buildings — they still made everything work and they keep everything away from the kids," Fairbanks said. "The kids don't know any different, and then they're still able to keep a lot of programs and do the cool stuff that we've always done, like go up to the high school, have people come in for events — so huge props and thanks to them."
— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Harbor Springs school board updated on construction projects
