West Bloomfield Center nears roof stage
The new facility is 19% complete with masonry expected to finish by November.
By Aisha Khan ·
Construction on the new Connect Community Center has passed the foundation stage.
The project began in July with a groundbreaking ceremony held in over 100-degree heat. Since then, the stormwater systems are finished. The foundation is poured. Elevators are currently taking shape.
Kelly Hyer, executive director of West Bloomfield Parks, presented the status update to the Board of Trustees on Oct. 19. Frank Rewold and Sons serves as the general contractor. Hyer reported that the project reached 19% completion at the end of September.
The construction budget sits just under $24 million. The township has paid the contractor $4.4 million so far. Hyer noted that favorable weather has allowed for consistent progress.
Masonry work is scheduled to conclude in November. Once the walls are complete, crews will install the rooftop steel beams. Hyer expects the building to have a roof by winter.
Debbie Binder, a trustee and township clerk, welcomed the progress report. She stated that watching the walls go up makes the project more exciting for residents.
The facility will include a large gymnasium with high school-sized dimensions and pullout bleachers. Tall windows will provide natural light for both the gym and the surrounding track. A full plaza outside will feature an open-air classroom and seating for about 40 people. A mural by an artist commissioned from the Detroit Institute of Arts will decorate the building's side, though current images show only a placeholder design. Donor applications are available on the township's website.
Source: C&G Newspapers
