Naperville Central's overhaul hits higher gear: Summer recess lets construction crews go full blastBy Jack McCarthy, Special to the Tribune
When students and staff vacate Naperville Central High School for the summer next week, the school's construction and renovation work will quickly shift from a modest pace to a sprint.
Work is set to begin on the most complicated phase of the two-year, $87.7 million project: a gut rehabilitation that must be completed within 12 weeks.
"On Aug. 25, my kids have to be back in this building, no matter what," said Ralph Weaver, District 203 director of facilities and construction.
Though some District 203 board members have expressed concern over the tight timetable, Weaver says not to worry.
"We're real close to timeline, and we're (about $7 million) under budget," he said. "Once school gets out, we'll be doing a bigger percentage of the work."
The school's rear already sports a sleek new look, with a 170,000-square-foot addition.
It will serve as the new main entrance and will feature new classrooms, athletic offices, a new gymnasium and weight room and a three-story atrium with cafeteria.
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