Editor’s note: As construction of the new East Providence High School accelerates over the next year with an aim of opening in time for the 2021-22 term, The Post will be providing enhanced coverage on a monthly basis and more as warranted throughout the process of completion.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The new East Providence High School building committee held its July monthly meeting last week, providing the latest data on the progress of the $189.5 million project that remains well on its way to completion.

Sam Bradner, of city-based Peregrine serving as the district’s project manager, provided an update for the group highlighted by the on-going effort to meet the requirements of the National Grid Incentive Program on energy efficiency.

Mr. Bradner told the committee the project remained on target to recoup significant rebates from National Grid once construction is complete.
The project must go through a final audit of energy efficient measures used once finished, but the district is on track to recoup over $383,000.

“This is great news,” said Mr. Bradner of the rebate figure, though he tempered his enthusiasm a bit by noting the Rhode Island Department of Education will take that number off its overall reimbursement for the project.

Currently, the district is slated to receive over $90 million from the state to support the new EPHS build.

RIDOT notes

The committee and project managers have been in lengthy discussions with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation over components necessary for the reconstruction of the ingress and egress points at the new high school on Pawtucket Avenue, which is a state-owned road.

The latest development in the interaction was RIDOT’s requests for additional surveys of the area, showing how the construction will affect the abutting Shoppers Town Plaza, and proof of an updated insurance certificate and bond from the contractor being tasked with the work.

Project milestones

Mr. Bradner also provided a review of the project milestones in the process of or soon to be met.
Those include the painting of structural steel this month and the start of interior finishing to begin in September.

“For those folks who regularly go on the walks and see the condition of the interior space, it’s hard to believe that we’re already there. But we will be migrating to those activities just as we are starting the fall in September,” Mr. Bradner said.

On-going progress

Though most in the community do not have access to the inner workings of the construction, anyone who passes by the Pawtucket Avenue site can see the new high school taking shape on an almost a daily basis.

A month after the topping off ceremony celebrating the installation of the last piece of structural steel, the building continues to be enclosed.

Mr. Bradner cited among other aspects vapor barriers have been placed over the walls, cement slab interior flooring is being poured and fire proofing has been sprayed.

Financial update

As was discussed in recent meetings, Mr. Bradner reminded the committee the cost of the building and grounds proper remains under-budget at approximately $154.3 million or some $2.8 million below the targeted price of $157.2.

That total includes so-called “alternate” line items for lighting and artificial turf for athletics field to be built in front of the new high school once the old structure is razed. It also includes a greenhouse to be used mainly for career and technical center curricula.

Of note as well, District Director of Finance Craig Enos provided the committee with the June 2020 billing list for approval. The single highest payment of the some $9.1 million total was to contractor Gilbane, $8.97 million.

Messrs. Enos and Bradner, in response to a question, said Gilbane has yet to draw down on a $1 million set-aside for any COVID-19 pandemic related costs.

Next meeting

The next new East Providence High School building committee is slated for Monday, Aug. 10.

— East Providence Post and eastbayri.com staff photographer Rich Dionne shot the accompanying gallery of photos.

Please support your local news coverage

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the local economy - and many of the advertisers who support our work - to a near standstill. During this unprecedented challenge, we continue to make our coronavirus coverage free to everyone at eastbayri.com - we believe it is our mission is to deliver vital information to our communities. If you believe local news is essential, especially during this crisis, please consider a tax-deductible donation. 

Donate Here

Thank you for your support!

Matt Hayes, EP Post Publisher