03/20/07 Update
Dear Neighbors,
I want to inform you on the current status of the tree removals near the Amaker / Pearlman property. When we met with the neighbors on March 5th we identified 4 trees for removal that was needed to create the opening for the water and sanitary sewer installation. We also explained that one tree to the north or south of the trees identified may also need to be removed. As of late this morning, the contractor was able to save the tree located to the north, (this is the tree on the right in the photo marked with an orange X) however, this tree may still need to be removed, but we are trying to do everything possible to save the trees. Consistent with our message, the contractor removed a black walnut tree to the south which we were trying to save when we met with the neighbors, (this is the tree lying down with the stump left of center in the photo). When a more extensive layout was done from the sewer tap location further onto the site (see the centerline stakes with the pink flags) it was determined that this tree needed to be removed for safe installation of sewer pipe. The centerline of the sanitary sewer installation is 15’ south of the stakes and the water main centerline is 2’ – 3’ north of the stakes. Please understand we are making every attempt to minimize the tree removal in this location. This removal was necessary for the safe installation of these utilities.
It is possible that some additional trees about 75’ – 100’ further west of the neighborhood on the site may also need to be removed. These trees would be to the left of the swath that is shown in the photo.
We will continue to update you with our progress in this area as further information is available.
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
03/16/07 Update
Hello Everyone,
Spring has sprung! (at least for a few days anyway), and site work is now resuming. As previously discussed in this forum and weather permitting, water & sewer installation will commence Monday 3-19-07 by our contractor Rainbow Construction. A brief on site meeting was held with interested neighbors at the end of Oak Hills Drive last week to discuss specifics. That is where work begins with survey and selective clearing through the future pedestrian paths. Sewer excavation will follow soon after. Beginning the first week of April, a second crew will mobilize to install water lines sequencing at Timber Trail, Newport Creek and Oak Hills locations. Following installation and testing requirements, work to prepare for pedestrian path installation will begin in mid May. Access routes to complete this work have been arranged through the school property to minimize traffic through the subdivision although some street traffic may be unavoidable. Rick Bibik from Granger Construction will be working with Rainbow Construction to help minimize potential disruption and inconvenience. You can contact Rick at 734-994-7167.
Maple Road reconstruction is scheduled to begin in April with completion of two new roundabouts at the Maple/M-14 interchange as the first phase. Phase II is road reconstruction from M-14 north to Craig Road and includes a third roundabout at the school main entrance. Please visit the AAPS website for specifics and alternate routing.
Work has continued inside the building through the winter months. The exterior was successfully enclosed with temporary materials last fall and permanent window systems and metal panels began to be installed through out winter. Work on the exterior building skin will continue until the fall of 2007. Now that warmer temperatures are here, finishing of drywall has begun. Finished items such as ceiling grid, painting and acoustical tiles will also soon begin and once humidity control systems are operational in July, cabinets and millwork will go in.
Have a great weekend and if there are any concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
09/06/06 Update
Hello Neighbors,
Big changes have occurred on the site and to the building since our last report. Structural steel is well underway and erection is expected to be completed by the end of September. Concrete floors have also begun in the academic tower, the first of many steps leading to fit out of the interior spaces. Primary focus at this time is to get the building enclosed as much as possible for the upcoming winter. Yes, winter is not too far away! To that end metal studs and yellow sheathing is now visible from a distance. Roofing will commence in September, Glass panels will begin to arrive in October, and brick walls will soon be in place around the south half of the school.
Another milestone event is asphalt in the student parking lot. This is some of the first visible evidence of the site nearing completion and necessary for the 100+ construction workers now on site. The running track is now taking shape and the landscape contractor will begin seeding to tighten up the site. Athletic field contractors will begin to construct the baseball fields in the Spring of 2007.
The District will hold two Maple Road Construction / Roundabout forums in the future. I will let you know the dates as soon as I have confirmation of a date, time and place.
If there are any concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
05/19/06 Update
Hello Neighbors,
A major milestone in the project occurred on May 5, 2006 with the delivery and erection of the first sequence of structural steel. Work began in the center of the academic tower and as of this writing crews are setting elements of the 4th and 5th levels. Trailers are loaded and staged at the fabrication facility so they may be delivered in a ‘Just in Time’ fashion. This allows for a less cluttered jobsite and helps eliminate error or mix ups. A second crew will be added shortly, as soon as two cranes can operate at a safe distance apart. [view pictures]
The Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education recently approved contract award recommendations at the May 10th meeting. The Construction Manager is in the process of issuing contracts and engaging contractors in preconstruction activities as well as building the detailed construction schedule. Concrete floors and masonry walls are expected to begin in the month of June. From that point various Trades will be sequenced through completion.
Recent rains have delayed site work. The majority of earth balance was completed last fall and is expected to restart next week. By mid summer we will see the first phase of installation of curbs, asphalt roads and the student parking lot. By Fall most of the site elements are expected to be in place.
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
04/14/06 Update
Hello Neighbors,
The return of Springtime brings a full season of work on the new High School site. By Fall 2006 the majority of site features will be in place including roadways with the first phase of paving, football stadium construction, grass and sidewalks. Footings and foundations for the new school are well underway (see photo). Steel erection will commence soon. Also for the past few months, the construction team has been busy bidding the remainder of the project and preparing recommendations.
Have a great Spring Break and enjoy time with your family and friends!
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
03/13/06 Update
Hello Neighbors,
Ann Arbor Public Schools would like to invite you to the community Forum on Round abouts.
New High School Round About Community Forum
Learn about Traffic Round Abouts
Near the AAPS New High School Site
On Tuesday, March 21, at Forsythe Auditorium, at 7:00pm Ann Arbor Public Schools will host a public information forum regarding the installation of round abouts at three locations on Maple Road near the new high school site. The forum will feature DLZ Michigan Inc. the consulting firm that has studied the feasibility of round abouts at this location. Traffic engineers from the Washtenaw County Road Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of Ann Arbor will also be available for comment.
DLZ’s presentation will define the difference between traffic circles and round abouts. Round abouts are an increasingly common device used to maintain movement of vehicles while, at the same time, reducing speeds. DLZ will discuss the safety aspects of round abouts for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
If you have questions please contact the AAPS Bond Office at 997-1879
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
02/09/06 Update
Hello Neighbors,
At last night’s board meeting (2-8-06), Dr. Fornero presented to the Board of Trustees, an update on the new high school addressing key issues such as schedule, budget and program reserves.
The original construction schedule was to have the school open in the Fall of 2007 with the big box spaces, (gym, auditorium and pool) being available in January 2008. This building and surrounding site has been designed to meet the instructional programming needs for students and staff. In order to achieve this goal the District placed a high priority on community and staff input. The District defended a lawsuit, met additional requirements from MDEQ, WCRC, MDOT and the City of Ann Arbor and then was presented with the concrete and steel bid packages that were 3.3 Million over budget. All of these occurrences have resulted in a very compressed construction schedule. It is unrealistic to expect the school to open in the Fall of 2007 as expected with out paying additional premiums in excess of 1 Million dollars.
Superintendent, Dr. George V. Fornero, recommended to the Board of Education to place the 9th grade class in the Fall of 2007, into an alternative (swing) space for instruction. As you know, the District has hired Sulura Jackson as principal for the school. Instructional programming for the magnet and general curriculum programs are on schedule to commence in the Fall of 2007. When the new high school is ready for students in the Fall of 2008, the school will be occupied by 9th and 10th grade students.
The District has established an owners reserve / contingency. These funds are unallocated and are to be used to cover risks that are unforeseeable during any type of construction. The allocation of the funds rests within the authority of the Board of Education and Superintendent.
The District and the professional team share the frustration of not being able to meet original schedules and budget. The professional team is continuing to work on value engineering to provide a quality and attractive building that meets the needs of instructional programming and that addresses the life cycle costs and long term operational costs that will impact the District.
Please contact me if you have concerns that you would like addressed.
Thank you,
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
02/08/06 Update
Hello Neighbors,
New developments on the project site are few with no additions to manpower and tasks since last month. Concrete footings/foundations and underground storm sewers system continue to be installed, completion of each are anticipated in Spring 2006. Planning and preconstruction activities for upcoming work has been in high gear. The first delivery of steel to the construction site is scheduled for mid April. Once steel rises, the seemingly slow pace of development will increase with the skeleton of the building up by late July.
Project management staff has busily been assembling bid documents for the remaining elements of the building. Bid packages are to be released late February so that workers will be ready to install building enclosure items such as masonry, metal panels and roofing beginning late summer.
Look for the next update to be released the week of March 13, 2006.
As always, if you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me.
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
12/23/05 Update
Hello Neighbors,
Early snows have provided additional challenge to the crews on site, but progress marches on! Footings and foundations for the building have begun at the northeast corner of the lower level of the building. Work will progress in a general east to west manner and expected to be complete in time for structural steel delivery late April.
Attached are some photos (12/16/05 photos, Footing Photos).
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Enjoy your family and friends during the holiday season.
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
11/15/05 Update
Hello Neighbors,
Weather has been favorable for the past few weeks, allowing work to continue on the stormwater retention ponds along Maple road. The two large ponds have been completed, seeded and mulched and are ready for growth early Spring 2006. Work on the small third pond is expected to wrap up within the next week, around Thanksgiving. Except for watching the new grass grow, no work is expected to occur along the east side of the property until the athletic field contractors arrive next summer.
Storm sewer installation begins today, November 14 and will continue through the first of the year. This underground prep work through the colder months means that as soon as weather allows next April, road work within the site can begin and be in place by mid July. Water and sewer tie ins at the Newport Creek easements are anticipated to occur Spring-Summer 2006, neighbors will be updated on specifics through this notification prior to work beginning. Concrete for building foundations are still expected to begin mid December, with structural steel rising Summer 2006.
Attached are a few new aerial pictures.
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
11/01/05 Update
Hello Neighbors,
The majority of rough earth balance has been completed in the month of October. This means that the building pad, parking lots, and ball fields have been set to rough elevations and shapes and prepared to withstand winter and spring weather. See the attached photos. Neighbors bordering the baseball and softball fields can see that permanent seeding has been installed on the east slopes of the fields along with water runoff controls. Elsewhere on site, 2 out of 3 of the storm water retention ponds along Maple Road have been completed. The third pond will be in place by late November. The next step is to install the storm sewer system which will drain to the ponds. Installation will begin next week and continue throughout the winter.
Footings and foundations are scheduled to commence in December with structural steel still planned for Spring/Summer of 2006. In the meantime, drawings continue to be produced and bid in preparation for new incoming freshmen class.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me.
Thanks and have a great November.
Jackie Ziemba
Project Assistant
2004 Bond
