Construction Updates
Please check back here periodically for updates.
April 2024
We’re thrilled to share the latest buzz surrounding your new school construction! Since our last update, progress has been moving along steadily.
March marked a significant milestone with the completion of brick veneer in the courtyard and the commencement of metal panel installation around the building – a visual testament to the project’s momentum.
We are now in the work-to-complete list, fine-tuning details to ensure top-notch quality. Area C, the hub of athletic spaces, is shaping up beautifully with gyms, locker rooms, and mechanical facilities mostly complete. As we step into April, anticipation mounts for the finishing touches like tile work and bathroom fixture installations. The gym’s wood flooring has arrived and will now sit for two weeks to acclimate before installation starts.
Area D, the academic core, has made strides with bathroom finishes, fume hood installations, and the imminent arrival of curtain walls – a promising sign of what’s to come.
Meanwhile, Area B hums with activity as the cafeteria and library spaces evolve with each passing day. From ceiling grids and cabinet installation to paint strokes, as well as the arrival of your commercial refrigerator and freezer which are on-site and will be installed this month.
Area A, housing administrative offices, classrooms, and science labs, casework has been ongoing throughout March and will continue into April. All bathrooms have been completed within this space.
Outside, the landscape undergoes its continual transformation as our site work teams continue with grading, our concrete contractor is following behind with the installation of the curb & gutter, as well as sidewalks around the new school. They have also begun staking out the seating wall in the courtyard. Other exterior projects include continuing with the cooling tower enclosure and the completion of the paving of the south parking lot. Washington Gas has seamlessly integrated its hook-up to the building.
We are dedicated to keeping the community in the loop every step of the way. We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire community for your support and enthusiasm for your new school’s development. Together, we are creating a hub for learning and growth that will benefit generations to come.
Reference Guide of Future School Spaces:
Area A: Administrative/Office space, classrooms, and science labs
Area B: Cafeteria, Kitchen, and Library.
Area C: Athletic spaces including gyms and locker rooms, mechanical equipment room.
Area D: Classrooms, science labs, and all associated mechanical spaces.
March 2024
We are thrilled to share the latest update on the construction of your brand-new school. The project has been advancing at full speed, and we are excited about the developments that have taken place since our last update.
February was a whirlwind of activity, with the ongoing installation of ceiling grids, window installation, metal panels, and sheet metal coping. The MCPS team has been conducting rigorous inspections of above-ceiling and high-ceiling (gymnasium and music spaces) electrical and plumbing, ensuring that every aspect of the new building meets the specified standards. The exterior is coming to life as the brick veneer continues to be installed in the courtyard area, set to be completed in March.
Inside the classrooms and labs, the installation of casework is underway. Tile work and toilet partitions are being installed in restrooms. Vibrant coats of paint are being added in Areas A & D. We are currently putting together classroom mock-ups, which will soon provide a sneak peek into the incredible details awaiting you in your new school. As we dive into March, we will continue with interior tiling, painting, ceiling grid, and window installation as well as begin with the installation of plumbing fixtures in bathrooms and locker rooms.
In Area B, the future hub of your school in the Cafeteria bulkhead framing and drywall, paint, and mechanical electrical and plumbing rough-ins are ongoing with painting and the start of ceiling grids this month. In the kitchen, bulkhead framing and drywall as well as painting have started. The walk-in freezer/cooler and hood have been delivered and will be installed this month which will allow us to start on the ceiling grid and flooring in this space. Finally in the library, and Library drywall was going up throughout February and this month we will focus on bulkhead, painting, and possibly start ceiling grid work.
Meanwhile, outside the landscape is taking shape with the installation of curb and gutter and paving of the north parking lot. Sidewalks will soon curve their way around the grounds, and the north parking lots will soon be illuminated by the installation of light pole bases. We’re also gearing up for the next phase of stormwater management, cooling tower enclosure, and west seating area construction. Washington Gas has also been hard at work laying the groundwork for its gas lines.
We are dedicated to keeping the community in the loop every step of the way. We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire community for your unwavering support and enthusiasm during this exciting phase of your new
school’s development. Together, we are creating a hub for learning and growth that will benefit generations to come.
Reference Guide of Future School Spaces:
Area A: Administrative/Office space, classrooms, and science labs.
Area B: Cafeteria, Kitchen, and Library.
Area C: Athletic spaces including gyms and locker rooms, mechanical equipment room.
Area D: Classrooms, science labs, and all associated mechanical spaces.
January/February 2024
The Neelsville Middle School construction project continues to make great progress with the construction of your new state-of-the-art school! The site is buzzing with activity so here’s a look at what’s transpired with your project.
At the beginning of construction projects when sitework is being prepped and steel is being set in place, it looks like a lot is happening, which it certainly is. However, once the structural steel is in place and walls and roofs are built, suddenly, the job site can look quiet in comparison, but a lot of work is taking place within the structure.
In the last several months, Henley oversaw exterior roofing activities, which included the Courtyard and some of Area B, soon to be your new Cafeteria, Kitchen, and Library.
Interior stud framing (your walls) continued in Area A, the new administrative/office space, classrooms, and science labs, as well as in Area B. We have begun the installation of your windows as well as the Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPS). Ongoing drywall installation, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) rough-ins, ceiling grid installation, painting, and CMU have continued throughout all your new school spaces. The assembly and installation of your new gym equipment, casework, and bathroom fixtures are underway.
On the school's new site, we began the installation of curbs and gutters, sidewalks, and paving at the North parking lot. Underground we continued with the installation of storm and water and sewer lines. We will begin the process of confirming topsoil testing to verify that we meet the necessary park specifications when the project is completed.
Lastly, Neelsville’s school leadership was recently taken on a tour with Henley’s team and Montgomery County Division of Construction, Project Manager, Rob Bastibner, to walk through the new building and see first-hand the progress with construction.
Know that as we build, we recognize that this isn’t just a building, it’s a symbol of our collective commitment to excellence, opportunity, and the limitless potential of your community’s future. Together we are building something truly extraordinary.
Reference Guide of Future School Spaces:
Area A: Administrative/Office space, classrooms, and science labs
Area B: Cafeteria, Kitchen, and Library.
Area C: Athletic spaces including gyms and locker rooms, mechanical equipment room.
Area D: Classrooms, science labs, and all associated mechanical spaces.
December 2023
As the temperature is dropping we have been enclosing the new school structure and providing temporary heat to keep construction moving forward through the cooler winter months.
In November we oversaw the low roof activities in the courtyard and a portion of roofing in Area B with the balance of Area B roofing to be completed in December. There is ongoing interior and exterior work including stud framing in areas A and B, drywall installation, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) rough-ins, ceiling grid installation, painting, and CMU blocking. Area B3’s slab on deck pour which now completes all the building's floor installations. We have also begun the main gym’s equipment assembly.
Site work in November included the completion of stormwater management (SWM-18) installations and backfilling of the Underground Structure (UGS-1). Ongoing water line and storm installation are still taking place. We have begun cutting grades for the new North parking lot and preparing for stoop installation at all exterior doors into the school building.
This month we will focus on the following building activities including the last roof installation at Area B, exterior brick veneer in Areas A, B and Courtyard, ongoing drywall, paint, tiling, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins, and ceiling grid throughout. We will begin installing windows throughout and casework will begin arriving for future installation.
On the site, we will continue with storm line and water line installations. We will begin paving as well as installation of curbs, and gutters on the North parking lot, as well as begin sidewalk installation. We will also start the process of confirming topsoil testing to ensure that we meet the required park specifications when installation begins.
Reference Guide of Future School Spaces:
Area A: Administrative/Office space, classrooms, and science labs
Area B: Cafeteria, Kitchen, and Library.
Area C: Athletic spaces including gyms and locker rooms, mechanical equipment room.
Area D: Classrooms, science labs, and all associated mechanical spaces.
November 2023
Large milestones completed in October included the completion of the roof decking, concrete poured at stair 3, and completion of the underground stormwater management and sewer systems (SWM-17, & UGS) on the west and north side of the construction site. We hope that identifying these site work milestones helps you to understand the amount of work that takes place underground to support the lasting operations of your new school facility. It’s an area that we recognize the average individual isn’t aware of and hope that providing you with these narratives will help with understanding what you might be seeing.
As for the school structure, scaffolding is being erected to begin installing brick masonry walls in the new courtyard. At the new gym space – sprinkler systems and mechanical systems were installed, and walls were painted, ready to begin receiving equipment for installation. Metal stud walls, as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, and drywall, continue to be installed throughout areas A, B & D (admin, science lab, classroom, and cafeteria spaces). The final concrete slab on deck in Area B3 will be poured at the end of November. Final paint and finish colors have been selected by MCPS and the Architectural team.
Milestones with site work. Our contractor has completed the installation of storm, sewer, and water on the west side of the construction site. They are working on another stormwater management system (SWM-18) including the excavation for the installation. As they work you will notice a stockpile of dirt that has been temporarily placed on one half of the tennis courts in collaboration with the school principal, Mrs. Escobar. Safety measures have been installed for the protection of anyone utilizing the second court.
Reference Guide of Future School Spaces:
Area A: Administrative/Office space, classrooms, and science labs.
Area B: Cafeteria, Kitchen, and Library.
Area C: Athletic spaces including gyms and locker rooms, mechanical equipment room.
Area D: Classrooms, science labs, and all associated mechanical spaces.
October 2023
As we start the Fall season, we have the following updates on the construction of your new school.
As we reported last month all structural steel was completed. Roofs have been installed in Areas A, C & D (see below to identify spaces). We also completed a mock-up panel of the brick veneer for approval from MCPS Division of Construction and were approved to proceed with the brick veneer you see our masons installing on the exterior of the new building.
Throughout October we will be working in Area B, prepping, and pouring the third-floor slab on deck (meaning your future floor). Our teams will continue working on the ongoing Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) rough-ins and metal stud walls throughout areas A & D. The masons will continue with the brick masonry veneer on the exterior of the school. We will also be creating a tiling mock-up in the locker rooms for approval from MCPS Division of Construction.
As for site work, our contractor has completed the installation of the north stormwater management system piping. During the excavation of the Underground Structure (UGS-1), which is necessary for the school's future stormwater management, rock was encountered during the excavation. Our teams are working diligently to get it removed so that the underground structures can be installed. Meanwhile, we will continue with the installation of storm, sewer, and water on the west side of the construction site.
Reference Guide of Future School Spaces:
Area A: Administrative/Office space, classrooms, and science labs
Area B: Cafeteria, Kitchen, and Library.
Area C: Athletic spaces including gyms and locker rooms, mechanical equipment room.
Area D: Classrooms, science labs, and all associated mechanical spaces.
September 2023
As we start the new school year a lot of construction activities took place throughout the summer with the biggest being that all steel was completed in all four areas of the building, which culminated in a "Topping Out" celebration that was held on-site with all our trade contractors, architects, and several of the school's administration, on Friday, September 1st in what will be your new gymnasium.
As the framework of your school is set, we are continuing to work on finishing the slab on deck on each of these area's interior spaces.
As a large picture overview of areas, A, B, C, & D, and what will be included in the finished space of the school:
Area A: Administrative/Office space, classrooms, and science labs
Area B: Cafeteria, Kitchen, and Library.
Area C: Athletic spaces including gyms and locker rooms, mechanical equipment room.
Area D: Classrooms, science labs, and all associated mechanical spaces.
Currently, areas A & D's decks are completed, and we have begun pouring the second and third floors in Area B. Interior stud walls have been going up as well as MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) rough-ins in areas A & D and will continue in these spaces into the month of September.
July 2023
As we prepare for the new school year, Henley’s teams remain aware that we will be working in an occupied setting with students, staff, and the community. We will revisit with our trade contractors student drop-off and pickup times to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and community members. We will continue to work with and keep the lines of communication open with the school's administration regarding scheduling and all construction activities to minimize any disruption.
In construction, weather plays a large part in the planning and execution of projects and July provided us with no impacts on scheduling with negative weather events, aside from being very hot. For our teams working in the field at Neelsville Middle School, we made sure to ensure proper safety protocols were in place to protect them from heat exhaustion.
As for construction changes that you can see, almost all the steel has been erected in four areas. Areas A and D will include new administrative spaces, classrooms, and science labs. Area B, which will be your new kitchen, multi-purpose room, and music rooms. Area C, which includes most of your new athletic spaces including the main gym, the second gym, the auxiliary gym, fitness and weight rooms, and a mechanical room on the second floor. Several of the attached photos include images of interior progress, including the installed mechanical equipment as well as the gym locker bases, which are poured and awaiting lockers.
August will see the new roof going onto Area C (your gym), the remaining steel going up in Area B, and the completion of the CMU (concrete masonry unit) walls in Area A (administrative, classrooms, and science labs). You will also notice the installation of a very large underground stormwater management structure. Henley has been working closely with the site contractor and MCPS to ensure the safety and coordination with the installation of this stormwater system are in place for the school community and our subcontractors.
We are thoroughly enjoying building your new school and are happy to address any questions you may have regarding its construction.
April 2023
By now we are sure you have noticed the large crane that showed up last week at the construction site. The crane, known in the industry as a crawler crane, has been moved to its required location to begin the process of setting the steel beams, which started on 3/30/23. Keep watching, as you’ll start to see the main structure of your new school coming together.
Prior to the crane’s arrival footings were placed throughout the site and foundations have been going in. The large grey walls that you see going up by our masonry contractor, are for your new gym and should be finished by the first week of April.
All the underground electrical and plumbing work we told you about in the last newsletter has been completed in three of the four work zones. The new storm structures and piping on the East side of the site is complete.
Henley’s teams remain fully aware that we still work in what is referred to as an occupied setting with students, staff, and the community. We will continue to keep the lines of communication open with the school's administration with scheduling and all construction activities to minimize any disruption.
Thank you for the opportunity to build your new school. We love what we do every day and take seriously the value a well-built school brings to you as students, staff members, and community.
Phase 1
The new Neelsville Middle School project is moving forward, and we are excited to be able to share some current milestones with you.
All new Neelsville Middle School construction is taking place in the areas, which on this image look like a series of lines and markings. Henley’s teams remain fully aware that we still work in what is referred to as an occupied setting with students, staff, and the community. We continue to keep the lines of communication open with the school's administration with scheduling and construction activities to minimize any disruption to the students and staff.
As for construction progress, we have currently completed the building foundation and have ongoing site utility work, including electrical and plumbing in sections C and D. This month will also see the start of the foundations in sections A and B with underground utilities to follow.
To the average person, we understand that it doesn’t look like a lot has happened at the site, however, all the infrastructure, the fundamental facilities and systems that will be necessary in serving the new school, begin with what we are currently building underground. So, while it may not appear to be much, doing this right is imperative.
Henley’s team is as excited as you are for the completion of your new school and look forward to sharing its progress as we move toward that goal.