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In the beginning of January, work on the $10 million renovation was slowed when district officials were forced to terminate the contract of the general contractor, Kenstar Construction Corporation due to a breach in contract.
A month later, International Fidelity was chosen to complete the project, which was more than halfway done. Initially, work was to be completed by the end of February break, but now school officials believe the auditorium will be open by the end of the month, and no later than graduation on June 20.
The agreement between the Board of Education and International Fidelity, “defines the scope of costs and schedule, calling for the completion of the auditorium proper by the end of May. The agreement further stipulates that construction fencing and trailers will be removed from the site by the middle of June and that the lobby will be substantially completed no later than the end of July.”
If the contracting company isn’t completed by that date, a penalty clause will trigger at a cost of $1,000 per day.
With graduation fast approaching, contracting crews have been busy completing work on the ceiling, installing “opera boxes” on the side balconies and working on the atrium. Masonry work has begun, with brick and concrete millwork that mirrors the original design of the auditorium near completion.
While graduation is scheduled to be held outdoors at the high school, district officials are hopeful work is completed on the auditorium in the event of inclement weather.
Last year, the State Education Department approved the $10 million renovation on the school’s antiquated auditorium and science labs, marking the first overhaul since the 1960s.
Renovations at the high school are something district officials have sought for years.
In May 2012, the board approved the borrowing of $5 million through a bond referendum to support the project. Another $2 million came from a construction reserve the district created in 2011. The final $3 million was donated by the Bronxville PTA, School Foundation and other private donors.
As part of the extensive project, contractors will also overhaul the school’s science labs, with demolition set to begin over the summer while students are on break. Despite the delays on construction in the auditorium, the labs are still expected to be open and operational by the time the academic year starts in September.
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