Beginnings of new EPHS construction project are taking shape

Site work started the day after 2018-19 term ended on June 13

By Mike Rego
Posted 6/17/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — The first signs of site prep were visible late last week, readying the Pawtucket Avenue location for the start of construction on the new East Providence High SchoolSaying …

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Beginnings of new EPHS construction project are taking shape

Site work started the day after 2018-19 term ended on June 13

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The first signs of site prep were visible late last week, readying the Pawtucket Avenue location for the start of construction on the new East Providence High School
Saying progress of the project is at a “fast and furious” pace, At-Large member Joel Monteiro told the School Committee at its June 11 meeting site work was on target to begin, as it did, on June 14.
Mr. Monteiro, who doubles as the new EPHS building committee co-chairman with former board colleague and current Ward 3 City Councilor Nate Cahoon, said “mobilization,” a fancier way of saying work was about to start, was set to take place the day after classes ended for the 2018-19 term last Thursday.
Initial prep included the removal of the fencing around the artificial turn soccer/lacrosse field behind the existing structure in addition to the light standards and fixtures there as well. It’s at that spot where most of the actual new EPHS building will be erected.
Other, barrier fencing will soon be installed and contractor trailers will shortly be put into place as project’s perimeter is set up, Mr. Monteiro said. Soil testing continues, about which were anticipated high levels of contaminants on initial reports, he continued. However, early indications show there’s actually just slightly above residential grade on things such as lead and arsenic. Mr. Monteiro noted if a shopping center was being built at the location, it would likely require no further reporting, but schools are held to a higher standard.
He continued, one of the first actual construction actions on the project will be partial demolition of the pool to create needed space for elements of the new EPHS. Also, the amount interior and exterior glass included in the original design of the structure has been reduced for cost and security reasons, though its maintains visibility throughout the structure.
“Those are the adjustments and tweaks that we’ll see and the public will see if they’re following,” Mr. Monteiro added.
Mr. Cahoon, as well, pointed to continued efforts to refine some design elements (see attachment). With most of the traditional classrooms set to be on third and fourth floors, it has allowed for the inclusion of a few open air lecture hall areas inside the building adjacent to staircases.
Calling other components already included making the new EPHS a “more efficient, sustainable building,” Mr. Cahoon referred to floor tiling that can go without waxing for up to 30 years, which he said will reduce the level of maintenance.
“This is going to be a tight, efficient structure,” Mr. Cahoon said. He added the difference in the current and future utility costs are going to be “night and day.”
The building committee will hold two meetings over the summer on July 8 and August 13. Updates on the status of the new EPHS project can be viewed regularly at epbuildingcommittee.com.
“Things are moving. Things are going real fast, so pay attention,” Mr. Monteiro concluded. “And be aware also for anyone who expects to be going on the school grounds after June 14, be aware.”

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.