Science building takes shape
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

L-N File Photo All Gone Now These tattered chairs and spray-painted furnishings, seen during an August 2007 tour of the El Campo High Science building, are long gone now that renovations are well under way. The building will have additional labs and restrooms and new furnishings once work is completed next year.

The El Campo ISD board received an update on its biggest ongoing construction project during the board's Sept. 22 meeting.

The board got caught up on the high school science building expansion and renovation project, which began in April when the building was gutted and the old practice gym next door demolished.

The project will bring the facility up to modern building code standards, adding ADA features such as an elevator and boys and girls ADA-compliant bathrooms on both floors, and two classroom/labs where the greenhouse and large satellite dish were located.

As of late August, the concrete deck on the second floor was mechanically complete, the fire sprinkler piping was 75 percent complete, rough electrical and mechanical work and damp-proofing was ongoing and roof blocking was 90 percent finished. Exterior partition framing and sheathing were 80 percent complete and main electrical service connection was complete.

Coming up next is drilling piers at the elevator addition, complete through-wall flashing at existing masonry walls, completion of acid waste and fire sprinkler piping, and the beginning of roof and drywall installation. As well rough electrical and plumbing was under way at additions and brick veneer was going up at the second floor mechanical room.

Students have been moved to temporary since construction began, and it is expected to be completed in the spring.

The $3.115 million science building renovation and expansion project is part of $15 million in improvements the district has identified and prioritized in the last few years.