MIDDLETOWN — Construction crews were at the site of the new $87.3 million Beman Middle School Tuesday morning, clearing debris and rubble from the demolished Woodrow Wilson Middle School.
The sprawling, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility is set to open next month, complete with an innovation lab, solar arrays, a large gymnasium and other components.
“Inside, it’s absolutely stunning,” said Middletown Common Council Majority Leader Gene Nocera, co-chairman of the Woodrow Wilson/Keigwin Building Committee.
New furniture and technology will be in place by the Sept. 9 opening of the fall semester.
The years-long effort to erect the new building has been quite involved, Nocera said. “So many pieces need our attention,” he said.
The delivery of some items needed at the 1 Wilderman’s Way site were delayed due to the pandemic, including steel beams, and elements of the auditorium, but the project has remained on schedule and below budget from the beginning, the councilman has said.
“It hit our supply chain pretty hard. It was very worrisome at the get-go when all the bids went out and we saw these vague promises,” Nocera said.
Also, demo work was held up for three weeks recently due to labor issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak, he added.
The auditorium is expected to be ready by mid-October. Crews will be conducting work during the late afternoon and evening so as to not disturb students.
Lockers, which are expected to be delivered Sept. 1, will also be installed later.
The new school is predicted to be more energy efficient by some 28.5 percent compared with other similar sized buildings, TSKP architect Michael Scott has said. Work includes installation of rooftop photovoltaics, with 14 areas that could generate enough electricity to power 30 homes. That will offset 179 tons of carbon dioxide a year, the architect has said.
O&G Industries Project Manager Joe Vetro recently told committee members the innovation lab ceiling grid is being constructed, and mechanical and electrical items will be installed this week, according to the July 26 minutes.
Everything but the gym, auxiliary gym and pool was demolished. Those three will form the community recreation center, where staff will move in later this year.
Groups of classroom walls will be painted in hues of three “bright, enthusiastic” colors: orange, blue and green. Most new school construction follows similar patterns, Nocera said. Rugs and tiles will also match the theme.
The orange-and-black school colors are incorporated throughout the building, in community spaces, such as the auditorium, gym, main office and music areas; as well as the locker rooms.
“I think it looks spectacular. Words don’t do it justice,” the councilman said.
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'Words don't do it justice': $87M Middletown middle school nears completion - Middletown Press
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