May Whitney Demolition Is Out For Bids

A preliminary schedule of dates and $1 million in costs to demolish the abandoned section of May Whitney Elementary was presented to the Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95’s board May 12.

According to Facilities and Grounds Director Lyle Erstad, a number of people met to discuss a timeline for the demolition, including: Superintendent Michael J. Egan; Facilities Director Skip Lubenow; Leo Morand of Gewalt Hamilton; Fred Schuster of RuckPate Architecture; and Deborah Ewanio, president of Absestos Inspection and Management, Inc.

The preliminary draft demolition schedule for the old portion of May Whitney is as follows:

• May 31 - Receive demolition bids.

• June 7 - Receive abatement bids.

• June 9 - District 95 Committee of the Whole meeting and  possible board of education special meeting.

                         - Award contracts for demolition and abatement.

• June 15 - Start demolition preparation.

• July 11 - Start asbestos abatement.

• July 25 - End asbestos abatement,

• July 26 - Begin building and pavement demolition.

• Aug 9 - Begin backfill and rough grading; start building restoration and closure.

• Aug 17 - Expected completion of demolition.

• Aug 18 - Start landscaping and site restoration

“This is an aggressive schedule, but we have spoken with some companies that think it is feasible,” said Schuster.

If weather or other circumstances delay the demolition or completion of the project, Schuster suggests having contingency plans in place.

“If the construction goes into the school year, we have to specific times for work trucks coming and going on the property during times when kids are coming to or leaving school,” said Schuster.

According to Schuster there is “no legal impediment” if May Whitney is occupied during construction.

“Noise is going to be the primary disrupter,” said Schuster.

“I think the probability of completing this project on time is zero to nil,” said Doug Goldberg, board vice president. “We need to develop contingency plans.”

The expected cost for the entire project is $1 million, with $650,000 going towards the actual demolition and $350,000 for landscaping and the contingency fund.

Erstad is now in the process of getting for bids for the demolition and asbestos abatement to present to the board to vote on at the next Committee of the Whole meeting June 9.

“We need to see the bids before we make a decision,” said Goldberg.