Construction continues as instruction begins

Sarah Belle Liin

STEAM building foundation and walls taking shape on August 18.

Construction of the new STEAM building at PHS is well on its way. On August 9, Superintendent Randy Booker announced in a letter to PUSD families that “Construction remains on schedule, with the 42,705 square foot STEAM building completion expected in August 2020” and the “new Alan Harvey Theater building completion expected in the Fall of 2021.”

Walls and foundation taking shape on August 18. (photo by Sarah Belle Lin)

On August 18, CF&T Concrete Pumping continued to work on footing (essentially the foundation) of the STEAM building. Progress is being made on the building’s walls, of which a few have already been built. 

An on-site contractor from CF&T Concrete Pumping said the site is a difficult one to work with due to the hilliness. However, he said that the construction is currently on track towards its three-year projected completion.

Demolition of the administration building will begin in June 2020 and the new Alan Harvey Theater will reside in its footprint. The new Alan Harvey Theater will be 20,946 square feet and have 489 total seats.

There are crossing guards posted on the intersections of Bonita Avenue and Magnolia Avenue. Traffic and parking in the construction zone continue to be impacted, resulting in new pick-up and drop-off procedures during the school day. (Related:  “Construction-related traffic, frayed nerves, safety concerns prompt changes to parking, student pick-up times.)

In an email to the Exedra, PUSD facilities director Pete Palmer said “We’re really pleased with our progress this summer, and that re-opening the campus to staff and students went smoothly.  The middle and high school principals sent reminders to families about how families can help reduce congestion near the construction area, and the principals will continue to do so over the next few weeks as families establish their drop-off and pick-up routines.  Also, the Piedmont Police will be strictly enforcing all the parking restrictions, to promote pedestrian safety.”

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