Old, new Waynesboro high school buildings close to being connected

February 22, 2008|By JENNIFER FITCH

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - Connections are being made between the circa 1960 Waynesboro Area Senior High School building and the addition currently under construction.

"We're getting ready to do the tie-in to the existing building within the next month or two for the administration" section, Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Adams said.

A groundbreaking ceremony Jan. 9, 2007, officially launched the $46 million renovation and expansion project at the high school. Phases of work are scheduled through April 2009.

Construction of the new, 1,600-seat auditorium continues, Adams said. The three-court gymnasium has really taken shape, he said.

"They're putting the maple floor down right now," Adams said.

The new geothermal well system, which is partially operational, will be set up to maintain the proper temperature and moisture level needed to ensure the gym's longevity, according to Adams.

The well system will heat and cool the building by looping water underground.

Adams said fireproofing has been completed, and the fire and security alarms were being installed.

Fifty to 75 workers have been at the site from about 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, Adams said.

"Coordination is a big factor among all the trades," he said.

General contractor Lobar Inc. of Dillsburg, Pa., and school officials have been collaborating to do limited work inside the existing structure without disrupting classes, according to Adams.

He lamented the recently announced retirement of Superintendent Barry L. Dallara.

"He's been a big positive on this project. He's been a lot of support," Adams said.

The addition will increase the size of the building by 60 percent, making it 283,000 square feet and four levels. A separate entrance on the new section will allow secure public access to the gymnasium and auditorium.

The school's existing media center will become classrooms and the cafeteria will be a library when the project is completed. The existing gym will be two floors of classrooms.

A new athletic field has been created between the middle school and the high school.

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