Ellwood School District Explores Curtain Wall Project Options

The Ellwood City School Board is exploring options for Lincoln High to undergo what’s being called the Curtain Wall Project – an architectural renovation for more efficient insulation.

A curtain wall system is an outer covering of a building in which the outer walls are non-structural, utilized to keep the weather out and the occupants in. Since the curtain wall is non-structural, it can be made of lightweight materials, thereby reducing construction costs.

The blueprints were presented to the school board members Monday evening and consist of renovations to three floors, renovations will vary in size per floor.

In the current blueprints, heating will be upgraded with a steam system and the air conditioning will also be done differently, both for better efficiency.

The district has a loan budget of nearly 2.7million dollars and although renovation costs are estimated over one million dollars, the purpose of the renovation is to reduce heating and cooling costs over a period of time to save money.

The district has the option to opt out of adding air conditioning to the renovated rooms to cut costs, however it will leave the rooms without any sort of air conditioning.

The project will temporarily affect the heating, cooling, plumbing, electric and roofing which is why the school would be aiming for the majority of construction to be done during the summer of 2018 before the start of school.

Right now the project plans are still in the preliminary stages with a goal of February/March for the school to start taking construction bids.

Before construction can commence, the school will need to have a code review, surveying, asbestos testing and permits issued.

Along with the Lincoln High renovations, the district is expected to be addressing the current outside water drainage problems at North Side with a long term fix including the installation of new snow guards, gutters, pipes, water proofing, gravel, down spouts, and other necessary excavations. The cost is estimated to be upwards of $150,000 depending on the materials used.

The school board will be voting on options for both of the renovations at upcoming meetings.

Updates to follow as necessary.