Cupola gossip hotter than July.
The 1928 Building Committee gathered this week to measure progress on Farmington’s most visible construction project: the wholesale renovation of the old high‑school wing and its brand‑new athletic facilities. In a session heavy on logistics—but light on drama—members confirmed the work is on track for a January finish, preserved a healthy contingency fund, and slipped in a quick joke that “September is the new December.” Here’s how the evening unfolded.
Routine Business
- Minutes: Unanimous approval of the May 27 minutes.
- Attendance: All members present except Miles Brown and Sheldon Crosby.
- Public Comment: None on Zoom, none in person.
Construction Snapshot
| Area | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Floors 2‒3 | Ductwork & HVAC underway | Sprinklers pressure‑tested, water on |
| First‑Floor Gym | New steel installed; old beams cut | Drywall finished elsewhere |
| Exterior Addition | Foundation & elevator shaft complete | Brick staging begins June 29 |
| Cupola | Scaffolding up by July 5 | Copper panels to be matched and replaced |
| Crew Heat Plan | 6 a.m. starts; 20‑min shade breaks | “We tell them it’s Mad Dog hot,” Russ Beaudoin quipped. 🌞 |
Stadium Overhaul
- Demolition finished; piers poured June 28.
- New bleachers and press box—double the former capacity—arrive mid‑July.
Central Office Now Open
- Staff moved in June 11; temporary certificate of occupancy issued June 12.
- HVAC humming; only a few windows replaced after demo damage.
Legislative Win
- Special legislation removing the $1.8 million reimbursement cap is now open‑ended, thanks to the town’s lobbyists and delegation, Chris Peterson reported.
Money Matters 💸
| Item | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| KBE Requisition #? | $1,735,184.80 | June progress billing |
| Silver Petracelli | $24,418.28 | A/E services through May 31 |
| IMTL | $4,092.00 | Materials testing (addition) |
| Grainger Water Fountains | $ TBD (packet) | Three bottle‑fill units |
| Change Order #16 | $1,313.38 | Storefront glass at new entry |
| Change Order #18 | $5,610.00 | Reverse four restroom doors for ADA |
- Contingency after forecasts: $521,344.53
- Schedule: Substantial completion Jan 9 2026 (contract date Feb 9).
- Long‑lead items: elevators (late Sept.), windows (early Aug.), vault (Sept.).
Calendar Check
- July 8 meeting canceled; next meeting July 22.
- Expect the same one‑meeting rhythm for August, with an August 26 date.
- A fresh on‑site tour is penciled in for September—“the new December.”
Sponsor Break ☁️
Shout‑out to Farmington Storage at 155 Scott Swamp Road, 860‑777‑4001—proud purveyors of museum air. Whether you’re storing Steinways or smelly varsity jerseys, their humidity‑controlled cubes will preserve your artifacts and your dignity. 😎
About the Author
Jack Beckett files copy faster than the HVAC techs can tape ductwork—thanks to a bottomless mug of dark roast that could double as sprinkler‑line pressure test.
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Creative Commons License
© 2025 The Farmington Mercury / Mercury Local
This article, “1928 Building Committee Eyes January Completion, Keeps $521 K Cushion,” by Jack Beckett is licensed under CC BY‑ND 4.0.
“1928 Building Committee Eyes January Completion, Keeps $521 K Cushion”
by Jack Beckett, The Farmington Mercury (CC BY‑ND 4.0)