EAST PROVIDENCE — The new East Providence High School project last week reached one of its more noteworthy milestone events in what continues to be an expected two-year construction period with the start of structural steel being erected.

The pivotal point in the timeline was discussed briefly at the February 11 meeting of the School Committee.

The $189.5 million venture was initially approved by voters at the November 2018 election. In June 2019, residents and dignitaries gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony at the work site, which sits behind the existing 67-year-old edifice on Pawtucket Avenue. Last fall, the old pool was torn down to clear room for the foundation and footings of the new four-story building. And now, in February 2020, the first pieces of the skeletal frame are being put into position.

The project remains on target to be completed for the start of the 2021-22 term in late summer of next year.

“Essentially, things are going well. The building project is on schedule and under budget just a smidge,” Ward 3 City Councilor, former School Committee member and co-chair of the new EPHS Building Committee Nate Cahoon told his former peers last week.

He continued, “Again it’s early, but it’s better being under-budget than over-budget at this point.”

Mr. Cahoon said the permitting process, which included that from the city for erecting of the steel beams, is on-going. The next in the series also includes receiving city approval for the overall construction of the structure.

Of the steel being put into place, Mr. Cahoon said simply, “It’s really cool to see.”

As well, he said several “procurement packages” are being put out to bid for such future aspects of the project like roofing, window glazing, fire protection and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). Those elements of the project, he added, will soon start taking shape.

Mr. Cahoon credited members of the new EPHS Building Committee and representatives from the firms hired by the district, project manager Peregrine Group and contractor Gilbane, for their efforts in maintaining the task’s momentum.

“The team that’s really doing the hard work on evaluating sub-contracting packages is really making a big impact on keeping this project on course,” Mr. Cahoon continued. “It’s the work of several qualified and dedicated individuals that is making this project go…We’re really happy to see how things have progressed to date.”

Mr. Cahoon concluded his remarks by the telling the School Committee about his body’s standing attempt to meet state recommended best-practices of hiring a minimum 10 percent of minority and/or female-owned firms to contribute to the project. Currently, he said the new EPHS production has retained those companies at a rate of approximately 11.5 percent.

“We remain focused on that,” Mr. Cahoon added. “There’s been a lot of exchanges and information going on about that enterprise and we’re proud to see that working the way it’s supposed to.”

The next new EPHS Building Committee meeting, which like all past and future gatherings is open to the public, is scheduled for Monday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Martin Middle School library.

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