By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Although the original portion of Schnecksville Elementary School is destined for demolition, the classic entrance facade will likely be preserved as a gateway to a new courtyard.

During a recent Parkland School Board meeting, KCBA architects presented a view of the proposed, walled-in section on the west and north sides of the complex.

The 1926 portal rises high as a welcoming approach to the courtyard which will have walkways and artificial turf.

The proposed addition connects to the courtyard and existing southern portions of the school to form an L-shaped campus.

The main entrance for the school will be positioned in the addition facing a large parking area with designated driveways for buses.

The time line for this phase of the school upgrade includes awarding bids in spring 2021 with construction beginning thereafter and continuing throughout 2022.

Meanwhile, interior renovations begun in May are ongoing while students are at school in classrooms away from the contractors’ activities.

The scope of work includes improvements or replacements of mechanical systems, new water, fire lines and storm sewer, new chiller and new propane tanks.

Sprinkler mains have been installed and cosmetic enhancements such as fresh paint, new ceilings and flooring, and new bathroom tile are in progress.

District officials reported critical items relating to air conditioning and fire alarms had arrived and were in place to ensure the safety of children and staff.

The anticipated total construction cost for this phase of the project stands at $5.9 million but will also have soft costs such as architectural and engineering fees, permits and testing added to that figure.

The original estimate in January for the first phase of the Schnecksville school project was $9.1 million which included construction and soft costs.