John Hyland Construction is setting up to demolish and rebuild most of Sweet Home High School.
Crews started removing asbestos from the building last week, Senior Project Manager Mike Mueller said. The majority of the asbestos removal is in the floor tiles.
He anticipates about three weeks on asbestos removal then demolition can begin on the $7 million project.
The reconstruction of the high school is part of an $18.6 million bond approved by Sweet Home voters two years ago.
Hyland Construction will do a variety of things during the project. First, it will complete a new driveway, demolish the high school and remodel the southernmost wing of classrooms. These projects should be completed by the end of summer.
“Once we get that done, we can contain student activities away from construction activities,” Mueller said.
Hyland hasn’t settled on a method for demolition yet.
The demolition will include the northern part of the high school, including two classrooms, the cafeteria, administrative and counseling offices, the main gym, the weight room, locker rooms and the student store.
During that time, administrative and counseling offices will be located in the remaining east wing. A modular unit will house the Career Center and the Gateway credit retrieval program. The two health classrooms will be moved to the drafting area.
“It’ll take the better part of next year just to construct the new building,” Mueller said.
The project includes a new library, located about where the main gym is; new administrative and counseling offices; new high-tech classrooms; and a new cafeteria. Linn-Benton Community College also will move its Sweet Home Center to the high school. That facility will be located at the east entrance, between the school and the auditorium.
The project is projected to finish in August 2004.
Hyland Construction recently finished the new Cottage Grove High School and Cottage Grove hospital. It also recently completed work on the City of Eugene Public Library. A year ago, Hyland was involved in remodeling Autzen Stadium.
Major bond projects have included new wing of classrooms at Hawthorne Elementary, a new high school gym and new locker rooms between the high school pool and activity gym.
The bond also includes a variety of smaller projects, including heating and ventilation projects, lighting, security and covered play areas at elementary schools.