Illinois High School Approves Bid for Elevator Addition

The Morris Community High School Board in Illinois approved a US$2.18 million low bid by R. L. Sohol General Contractor to build an elevator addition that will cover the high school’s five levels, Shaw Local reports. The elevator project has been under consideration since at least 2010, but it was delayed due to a cost increase. Handicapped students are currently relying on a wheelchair lift that is slow and causes students to miss class time. The new elevator will also be used for moving heavy furniture and machines. The project includes the construction of a three-story building addition between the 1949 original building and the 1959 building addition, which will allow handicap access to all five floors. It includes alterations to the basement, first- and second-floor classrooms and corridor spaces adjacent to the building addition. The alterations also include partitions and room finishes, mechanical and HVAC, electrical, plumbing tie-ins and upgrades. GreenAssociates reviewed the project with Dan Matzen of R. L. Sohol General Contractor, who understands the projects’ scope and agreed to the schedule. Work on the addition will begin in March 2024.