EAST PROVIDENCE — The new East Providence High School project is about to enter the third stage of the approval process by state overseers after the School Committee, at its February 26 meeting, was provided an update on and later approved of the schematic design for the building, which remains on course for a start to construction in June of this year.

Sam Bradner, of the Peregrine Group the district’s project manager, Jim Jordan, from the architectural firm Ai3, and Arthur Eddy, principal partner at Traverse Landscape Architects, were on hand last week to provide the committee and the public the most timely information about the project, set to be completed for the beginning of the 2021-22 term.

Presenting a similar overview to the committee as he did the week prior to the new EPHS building sub-group, Mr. Bradner noted the board’s approval last Tuesday of the revised schematics was “one of the key steps” in moving the project forward with the Rhode Island Department of Education.

Mr. Bradner said all of the parties were currently “in midst of several activities,” readying to meet the guidelines set up by RIDE for Stage 3 of the process. He said the first real cost estimate of the project was nearly finalized, adding it would likely wrap up sometime this week or next. He said, “hopefully before next month’s (the March 12) school committee meeting.”

Voters approved a $189.5 million bond measure for the new EPHS project at the November 2018 election. The city and the district will assuredly receive from the state as much as 54.5 percent reimbursement on approximately $130 million worth of the price tag and could get up to 74.5 percent if certain requirements are met.

Mr. Bradner added the district’s project representatives are “having recurring meetings with RIDE” to provide the state with “real time” updates on its progress. He said the aim remains to adhere to the June start timeline when crews will begin to “move dirt around and basically set the table to where the building will become vertical by the end of the year.”

Mr. Jordan returned before the committee last week to provide a more detailed review on the status of the new EPHS plans. While holding up what he said was a 300-page document, he said, “it’s hard to capture the amount of work that has been done in this phase of the project.”

Mr. Jordan explained Stage 3 in the process was to present RIDE with the conclusive schematics of the planned structure. Soil samples at the site of the new school situated behind the current one were conducted recently with a final report due next week. Of any potential pollutants in the ground, he said, “indications are there are limited issues we have to deal with.”

As well, Mr. Jordan said his group has consistently met with city departments involved in the project. Discussions have taken place with the East Providence Fire Department, the police department, public works, planning and zoning in an effort to stay current on the regulations, while keeping all abreast of what has taken place and what lay ahead.

“We feel all city departments are active and engaged and helping us move the project forward,” Mr. Jordan said.

He continued, saying meetings, likewise, have been held with the state departments of Transportation and Environmental Management for the same reasons.

“We feel the table is set for a successful submission to RIDE for Stage 3,” Mr. Jordan said. Of the updated schematics, he continued, “It’s a nicely done campus plan that responds well to Pawtucket Ave and Taunton Ave.”

In showing revised renderings of the building itself, Mr. Jordan gave a more defined look at the “rear” view of the new high school, featuring the student dining area with access to an outdoor commons leading to the refurbished stadium, where the practice field/track currently sits, along with a look at the planned roof garden off a proposed greenhouse on third floor.

Mr. Jordan said the commons was a “nice compliment to athletic complex” that could also be used for large academic projects and group meetings when weather accommodates.

Later, Mr. Eddy, making his first appearance before the committee, explained how the entry way to the new high school site off Pawtucket Avenue has been changed a bit. He explained the longer drive splits the planned re-situated softball and baseball field, which is intended to focus attention on the main entrance of the building.

As well, with the gymnasium being placed on the far left of the building and the auditorium on the far right, two events could take simultaneously by dividing the parking areas and traffic flows. Also of note, the total of parking spaces is expected to increase by about 80 parking from the number currently available.