Athena Montessori Construction

Framing Complete

2012-02-28T18:12:00.000-08:00

As you have probably noticed, the framing of the new building is complete. This is always the most exciting time of the project when the space becomes a reality and you can actually feel "it". And everything feels really great. It really feels like every part of the building and how the kids will use them was well thought out and will provide a wonderful environment to explore and learn in.

Over the next few weeks, we will be completing all of the stuff behind the walls. We will also begin to finish off the exterior of the building and start work on some of the site fencing, paths, rails, and sidewalks.

We have also been working hard to ensure that the site is clean and well managed. As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding, and are always available to listen to suggestions or address any concerns.

Foundation Complete...and Framing Begins

2012-02-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

Hello Athena Families,

It is going to be an exciting week as the new school begins to rise from the ground. After a month of foundation and utility work, we have started the framing work. The foundation is complete, which is a combination of concrete drilled piers (10' into hard limestone!), a "floating" perimeter wall and a steel superstructure. This foundation has been designed and built to never move with the expansive soils present on the site by bearing on the limestone below and floating above ther poor soils above.

As the frame takes shape over the next several weeks, there will be increased activity to and from the site with multiple trades coming and going on a daily basis. As always, if there are any issues with the construction activities, please stop by the trailer and say hello.

Thanks again for everyone's patience and I am sharing a few pictures of the progress below.

New Year Update

2011-12-29T05:31:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. We have been busy working away while the children are gone. Over the next month, the foundation will be finished and framing will begin on the new building as we work toward a summer grand opening. We plan to have some construction observations for the kids from the deck overlooking the site by Lisl and Stacy's offices once we start the framing process.

I also hope we have worked out the major kinks on the parking situation and we appreciate your patience as we go along. If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or the team at Athena.

Happy New Year!

Close To Breaking Ground!!!

2011-09-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Athena Friends and Families,

We are getting very close to breaking ground! After 367 days, we have finally received our Building Permit! Our loan application was approved by Bank of America, our appraisal review is scheduled for October 11, and the expected closing date is end of October. We will be allowed to break ground following closing of the loan. If all goes as planned the construction schedule is about four months. Upon completion of construction, we will look at the best time to move the Primary 1 and 2 classrooms into the new building, and everyone will benefit from the new track and field lawn and performance porch!

Thank you to Mike Rhodes and Acero Construction for their patience and flexibility with the delayed schedule. We are excited to be working with them on this very special project! And a huge thanks to all of you for your continued support of Athena's growth and transformation.

Warmly,

Lisl

Construction Update from Lisl

2011-03-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Athena Families,

I am writing to update you on our progress for the construction of the new building next door, which will be the new home of the Primary 1 and Primary 2 classrooms.

Our construction timeline for the new building has been delayed by the City of Austin review process of the site plan for which we applied last August. After many delays, our final hearing is now scheduled for April 12 and we are on the “consent agenda” for site plan approval. We anticipate being able to begin construction soon after that. The construction schedule is about four months to complete the building.

In the event that the building is not ready in time for the first day of school (August 22), we have several contingency plans that serve all of the classes well, temporarily, until the building is complete. Even without the new building, we currently have plenty of space on campus (three properties, including the yellow house) to accommodate all six classes, for all students (new and returning) who have enrolled for Fall 2011.

We have to wait until we have secured timelines before making final decisions as to the various contingency plans, if we need them. While I don’t know all of the details at this time, I can promise that your children will be in a beautiful classroom on the Athena campus, with the best teachers.

We will certainly keep you posted as our progress unfolds, and you can follow us anytime on our construction blog on the Athena website. Thank you for your support and your trust. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me.

Warmly,

Lisl

Introduction and Project Safety

2011-02-11T04:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Families,

Next month, construction will begin on the new building on the Athena campus. The team here at Acero Construction is excited to be a part of this project and I am personally grateful to Lisl for this opportunity to build a classroom for my son, Chase.

The purpose of this blog is to keep you, the families at Athena, up to date with the progress of the project and to allow you an outlet to contribute to the project. Please feel free to comment on all things related to the project in this open environment or to me personally at mrhodes@aceroconstruction.com.

One of the major focuses of this project is safety. Our main priority to decrease this risk is limiting construction activities during the peak pick up and drop off times. We will be creating a gated area for materials and vehicles at the north side of the newly paved parking lot accessible off of Ben White. We will also have a construction trailer on the premises and will have an "open door policy" for anyone to express concerns, ideas or suggestions. Feel free to drop in anytime.

We are looking forward to a great project and we appreciate your patience during this time.