The start of June has brought many fun events to the project.  All of the cabinets, doors, trim, and tile is in.  So are most of the lights, and air conditioning.  At this point, the inside of the classrooms need to be painted, have the floors refinished, and countertops and appliances installed.  The feel of the classrooms and the natural lighting are really wonderful, and i am so excited to see it all come together.

We have also started the revamp of the landscaping.  We have installed a number of large mature trees and have begun removing all of the old fencing to make way for new "open" fencing that will allow visibility throughout the Athena property.  Some of the parts of this process is a large sport field, new swingset, and playground, improved outdoor work environments for all of the classrooms and maybe most exciting - an increase in available parking!

The Interior Finish out Begins!!!!

The interior sheetrock is complete and all of the interior finishes are going in.  Over the next few weeks, wood flooring, cabinets, doors, shelving, tile, etc.  We have also been working hard to finalize the plans for the "great lawn" which is going to be an amazing outdoor environment of work areas, ball field, tri-track, pirate boat and more. 

Ready for Sheetrock

The project has been given the green light by the city to insulate and install sheet rock inside the new classrooms.  This is a milestone in any project where the focus transitions to all of the interior goodies -flooring, tile, cabinets, paint, etc.  The entire team (Lisl and the Athena Staff, Hatch + Ulland Owen Architecture, and Regan Baker Interior Design) has been working hard to create a durable, clean and stimulating environment for the children to learn in.  Over the next month we will also begin finishing the site work - fencing, sidewalks, pathways, etc.

Framing Complete

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

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

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!!!

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