Lowell School Building Committee - October 29, 2026

The Lowell School Building Committee meeting on October 29, 2026, reviewed construction progress on the school project, currently in Phase 4 and scheduled for completion before the fall 2027 school year. Skanska reported that change order No. 51 was approved in September. The overall project budget is $418 million, with approximately $403 million encumbered and invoices reported at roughly $359 million as of September; a later budget update cited approximately $370 million invoiced. The committee discussed about $8.9 million in pending change requests, characterized as estimates that may change, and $1.4 million remaining in owner contingency. The construction manager’s contingency was nearly exhausted, and members noted that unforeseen conditions in the 1892 building continue to affect costs. No new contract award or procurement approval was reported.

Consultant Mike Atwood presented recommended perimeter drainage and waterproofing measures for the 1892 and 1922 buildings, based on findings that seepage was associated with surface water and unprotected foundations rather than the Merrimack Canal; no contract action on the recommendations was recorded. Members also questioned roof-related flooding and remediation costs. The project team said the costs would be borne by the responsible trade partner, not the owner, and that inspections and remediation were underway with no expected impact to the project’s end date. The committee accepted remote participation and, after quorum was established, approved the August 27, 2026 meeting minutes. Project updates also covered workforce participation and ongoing FF&E and technology purchasing within the project budget.