Wenatchee Valley Tech modernization updates classrooms, expands training spaces

WENATCHEE — Students are using renovated classrooms at Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center as crews finish a modernization project expected to wrap up in December.

Representatives from the Klosh Group, ALSC Architects and Garco Construction presented an update to the Wenatchee School Board Oct. 13, showing completed instructional spaces and outlining remaining work at the campus.

Supported by a $14.5 million state grant, according to a district meeting summary, the project includes improvements to medical and dental training spaces, culinary facilities, fire science facilities and general classrooms.

Building B is complete and occupied, while construction continues in Building A. The full student body has been on campus since Aug. 31, requiring crews to coordinate construction around classes and separate work areas from occupied spaces.

The presentation included before-and-after photographs of medical occupations classrooms and practice areas, dental training spaces, the culinary arts classroom and cafe, reception areas and student gathering spaces.

Plans for the fire science program include a fitness area, bunker gear storage, a classroom, an apparatus bay and a mezzanine with a dark room for smoke training.

Remaining work includes renovations to the administrative suite, exterior cladding and site improvements. Project representatives reported that Building A remained on schedule, with the team tracking a few weeks ahead of a Dec. 31 completion date.

The original guaranteed maximum construction price was approximately $10.61 million. Two change orders totaling about $662,000 brought the contract to approximately $11.28 million.

Those changes addressed unforeseen conditions, requirements from permitting and inspection authorities and work added by the district. Additional improvements include replacement of Building A’s roof, expanded renovations to the administrative suite, dedicated exterior storage, more durable finishes, site improvements and technology upgrades.

The district’s meeting summary said savings within the project budget were being redirected toward additional facility enhancements.

Project representatives said a positive contingency balance remained to cover the final phases. Further improvements will be evaluated against the money remaining as construction proceeds.

Working on an occupied campus remains one of the project’s principal challenges. Garco’s construction team coordinates daily with technical center staff, schedules interior work around classes and uses barriers to separate exterior construction from students and staff. Daily safety walks are also part of that process.

Final inspections and building occupancy approvals are expected in December. To reduce potential delays around holiday staffing, the team plans early inspections and reviews of completed areas before the final closeout.

The project has proceeded in phases to keep programs operating while crews renovate instructional and support spaces. The remaining administrative, exterior and site work is scheduled to conclude this year.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media