Patterson school construction underway

Concrete was poured Wednesday for a new parking lot at Hattie Watts in Patterson, creating 36 additional parking spots on the corner of Taft and Third streets.
Superintendent Donald Aguillard said the $102,000 parking lot is being built by Duck Construction in Franklin. The property for the 15,580-square-foot parking lot cost $40,000.
It is a sister project to the larger construction project creating an 11,650-square-foot student assembly and physical education facility at the school.
Architect Jim Firmin said foundation work is underway currently. Outside sprinkler lines have been installed as has the water line connecting the building site.
The $1.99-million project is under the purview of Legacy Construction Services of Rossville, Tennessee. They will construct the free-standing, single story building consisting of a student assembly/physical education area, two classrooms, two offices and restroom facilities. Plans call for it to be located near the kindergarten area of the school and connected to the main building via a covered walk.
Principal Niki Fryou said no interruptions to instruction have been experienced due to the construction.
Meanwhile, construction should begin in mid-2015 on the planned 81,400-square-foot facility that will house Patterson Junior High students.
Firmin said the project plans are about 50 percent complete and are expected to be bid upon in April.
Soil borings are complete, and the topographic site survey nearly complete, he added.
The project includes construction of new space, which will be a two-story in certain sections. Additionally, the complete renovation of the existing 16,800-square-foot, two-story classroom building is included in the project. The renovated section will be used by the school’s fifth grade.
Firmin said the new school will be wired for computers and up-to-date teaching technology and will contain specific areas for special education, areas for flexible and collaborative teaching, as well as the standard library, cafeteria and physical education facilities.
The school, which will front on Catherine Street, is being constructed next to the existing school on property obtained by the School Board through an exchange with the City of Patterson.
Firmin said no firm opening date has been established. Rather, a strategically staggered opening will be employed as students will have to be moved around depending on what area is under construction.
Both facilities are being paid for by a 15-mill property tax approved by voters in October 2013 that supports $21 million in bonds.
Architects for the school are Firmin Architects in Morgan City in association with PBK Architects of Houston.