As we get into mid-summer, construction is continuing at a rapid pace on the job site for the Phase I buildings. The present schedule calls for construction to be complete on the two academic buildings and the Media Center in December 09, hopefully allowing for student occupancy immediately upon return to school after the holidays.

Turner Construction is moving forward with the construction of the base buildings, including accent granite at the base of the Media Center. Interior work has begun with the installation of heating and air ductwork, interior metal stud walls, installation of gyp board walls, and the completion of the bridge which connects the 9th Grade Academy with the Media Center.

At this point in the construction process, the bulk of the building “shells” for Phase One and the parking structure are complete. The precast structural panels and systems are in-place, and the construction team is installing roofing and exterior stone work. The miscellaneous architectural cast stone sills and banding are being manufactured and should be installed soon. Likewise the window systems have been approved and the units are being manufactured. Once these last items are installed, the school façade for the two Phase I buildings will be essentially complete.

The design team is nearing the completion of the Phase Two construction documents, and has presented the interior finish selections to the DeKalb County School System. We will also be meeting with all of the specific curriculum advisors to make final adjustments to the Career Technology classrooms, Gymnasium, Auditorium, and Commons/Kitchen areas. Once all of these items are addressed we will have the completed school design and begin the permitting process for Phase Two Construction and demolition of the existing wings A, B, and C.

There is much to be proud of at Tucker High School. With the recent news that Newsweek Magazine has ranked Tucker as one of the top 1,500 high schools in the country and the school system’s investment of more than $50-million in our facility, we are poised to truly be the “front door” of our community.

Milton E. Pate, Jr.
MILTON PATE ARCHITECTS, INC.

July 01, 2009