The renovations to Bradwell Institute’s gym continue, and over the next two weeks, major strides with plumbing, electrical, roofing and concrete will be conducted, according to Interim Chief Operations Officer Jason Rogers. The Courier toured the updates to the gym and received a progress report on construction.

The majority of the work over the next two weeks will center on overhead electrical, plumbing and mechanical, chilled water piping, and other tasks like equipment deliveries and some masonry work, according to Rogers.

The concrete slab pouring for the locker room wing has taken place, Rogers said, and another major slab pour for the bleachers area and early childhood classrooms will take place next week.

“The large mechanical equipment is tracking for delivery in mid-November,” Rogers said. This includes the HVAC machines, which, once put in place, will allow for the gym flooring to acclimate and be placed afterwards.

Rogers added that all finishes for the gym have been selected, including: court layout, bleachers, painting, accent colors, epoxy, flooring and other details.

There have been a few minor delays in the inspections department, however. Inspections are taking a little longer than expected, he said. The State Fire Marshall is no longer inspecting and approving fire sprinkler systems. This has been passed on to the local municipalities.

“Everything related to the fire sprinkler system is ready for install,” Rogers said. “We are just awaiting approval from the City of Hinesville. The city’s inspection team has been great to work with and we anticipate the approval being released in the very near future.”

As for the upcoming basketball season, the gym will not be completed before it begins, Rogers said. The contingency plan calls for games to be played at Liberty County High School. BI’s games have been scheduled when LCHS plays away, so there’s no conflict, he said.

“The existing schools within the district have made accommodations for the players when needed,” Rogers said.