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Jan 13, 2024Construction is gearing up for the summer in the Merrillville Community Schools as work continues in the next phase of a $145 million capital projects plan that impacts all the district's schools.
Foundation and concrete work is underway at the biggest project, the new $21 million, 57,000 square-foot career, technical education building on the east side of Merrillville High School. Superintendent Nick Brown said it's on pace to be completed by the fall of next year.
Work will continue this summer at Iddings Elementary, which Brown said was receiving a complete renovation. On Tuesday, the school board approved the spending of $14.3 million for construction at Iddings.
Chris Gerrity, an architect with Performance Services, the Indianapolis-based company designing and overseeing the project, said heating and air conditioning systems at Iddings were being replaced now, while other improvements were in the design phase including new science and arts labs, new flooring, corridors, cabinets, classrooms, enlarged restrooms to meet Americans with Disabilities requirements and new paint.
The projects also include a new high school cafeteria, a multipurpose room at Miller Elementary and a new cafeteria and kitchen; and the renovation of Reinhart Auditorium. All schools will receive mechanical, plumbing and electrical upgrades; exterior lighting, sidewalk, concrete and parking lot repairs; and playground and school interior improvements.
"This transformational project will change the district for the next 20 to 30 years," Gerrity said.
Brown said the new spending would be tax neutral, meaning taxpayers wouldn't see an increase because the financing was structured upon the retirement of old debt.
Demaree Stadium's leaky roof will be repaired and the football field will get new LED lights. The stadium's training and film rooms, locker rooms, and showers and restrooms will also be updated.
In addition, a new entrance road will be constructed at Fieler Elementary to ease congestion.
Space inside the new CTE center will be devoted to welding, construction trades, a fire and rescue section and a future lab expansion and classroom.
Officials cited booming interest in CTE courses for the new building.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.