Capitol Hill Day School Building Project

Fire and Life Safety -- January 31, 2012

2012-01-31T06:29:00.000-08:00

A strategic objective of the Dent Renovation Project was to install a sprinkler system in the facility. This objective has overcome many obstacles in the road to conclusion. Today the underground water tank that will provide a supplemental source of water should the sprinkler system activate was delivered. One big water bottle.

The installation project -- digging the hole for the tank, shoring it, and piping the water to the pump unit in the Dent School boiler room, and providing an underground cable connection between the two School buildings is in the capable hands of Creative Pipe Fitting Solutions, Inc., Clinton, MD.

The contractor has begun work on the site; the tank will be buried under a section of the side yard play equipment between the Dent Building and the 214 Townhouse.

Site prep well underway. Monarc Construction built housing to protect the air condenser units.

Disassembled play equipment.

The water storage tank awaiting unloading.

Down the alley the tank comes!

The workmen were very careful to avoid the overhead power lines as well as protect the brick from the bulldozer treads.

Level 4 HVAC Units -- January 31, 2012

2012-01-31T06:20:00.000-08:00

One of the strategic objectives of the Dent Renovation Project is to improve the heating and air conditioning of the facility. The 4th Floor has received significant emphasis with the installation of R-30 insulation and the design of a high-efficiency unit to both heat and cool. Level 4 will have a brand new, state of the art, system. Today we take delivery of the air handling units that will be installed over the common space in the loft. Just in time!

An intermediate objective will be getting these units up four floors. Clover Contracting has its work cut out.

Head of School's Office -- January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T05:37:00.001-08:00

A thoughtful design element is the window on the south side of the Head of School's office. Adds light and gives the illusion of extra space. The main entrance to the Dent Building is in the lower portion of the photo.

Millwork -- January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T05:37:00.000-08:00

Installing the mill-work is a slow, accurate process to make sure that it all fits in the space and is plumb. Of course these tasks follow the incredibly difficult juggling act to get the mill-work up the stairs and through the doors without denting or chipping any of it. Some of the pieces are huge.

This installation is in the 3rd Grade classroom recessed in the space previously occupied by the center core chimney.

This cubby unit is in the new 5th Grade classroom, last year's Science classroom. Check out the floor; note the outline of the wall that used to separate the former Science Classroom from the Head of School's Office.

Rose Window Room -- January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T05:32:00.001-08:00

The "new, improved, enlarged" Rose Window Room is coming together bit-by-bit every day. Looking Good!

Stair Railing -- January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T05:29:00.001-08:00

New stair railings have been fabricated and delivered. Installation is the next step!

Parking Lot -- January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T05:28:00.000-08:00

The staff parking lot is a jumble of building supplies, equipment, trucks, and trash. A far cry from the rows of faculty and staff cars when the site is occupied by faculty, staff, and students.

White is the predominant color choice for contractor vehicles, it seems.

In the center of this picture you can see the slate chimney caps. Once the chimneys are back up a crane will return to lift these heavy caps back up and in their original places.

Level 1 Flooring -- January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T05:24:00.000-08:00

The final coat of sub-flooring was poured overnight and the crew is completing a fine polish on the surface. Hard to believe after all the discussion this aspect of the renovation project entailed that the job is near completion. I have learned that the Level 1 floor is now "flat," a distinction from "level."

The surface is scheduled for completion Thursday, January 26th.

Level 1 Flooring - January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T05:12:00.000-08:00

In the complex web of firms working on the Dent renovation project, Monarc Construction, our general contractor, subbed the flooring to CB Flooring, Columbia, MD. CB in turn subbed to floor preparation to Sub-Floor Solutions, Inc., of Atlanta, GA.

Sub-Floor Solutions, Inc., arrived on site Friday, January 20th and informed Monarc that all of the existing leveling materials on Level 1 needed to be removed so the moisture barrier could be installed directly on the original concrete flooring. The material that Sub-Floor planned to use to seal the floor would have caused the layers of leveling agents that have been added over the years to deteriorate with the result that the moisture seal would have failed.

The exercise resembled an archaeological dig. The Monarc crew found wood supports for abandoned steam lines from the original heating system, areas where there was but a concrete skim over dirt, and in other areas several layers of leveling material.

Today, Monday, the floor is sealed and the crew from Sub-Floor will pour the material that will result in a flat surface on which the finished flooring can be installed.

The layers of leveling agent that had to be taken up. This product was most likely that which was installed several years ago by Dominion Floors, Inc., Arlington, VA, when the School removed the Pergo flooring in Level 1 corridors and installed simulated oak linoleum.

Below the leveling agent, shown above, is some of the original concrete covering the wood framing for the steam piping.

Photo: Courtesy of Mark Bellingham, Monarc Construction

A portion of the Level 1 flooring subsurface removed by the Monarc crew.

The hardworking team from Sub-Flooring Solutions, Inc.

The shiny new moisture barrier.

Pack-up to return to Dent -- January 13, 2012

2012-01-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 13th faculty and staff began to pack up teaching and office supplies at the Mods to return to Dent. Paxton Van Lines delivered supplies earlier in the week. The excitement is beginning to build!

Library Flooring -- January 18, 2012

2012-01-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

Work progressed on rebuilding the west chimney to the point where the subflooring in the library could be stabilized.

Stairwell Enhancements -- January 18, 2012

2012-01-18T07:23:00.001-08:00

This grillwork will be added to the emergency stairwells on both the north and south sides of the building. New treads will be added as well to give the stairs a more finished look.

Millwork Installation -- January 18, 2012

2012-01-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

The custom mill work was cut and assembled off-site then delivered to Dent School for installation.

The cabinets and shelving were built by Clark's Lumber & Millwork, Inc., 7422 Commerce Way, Ruther Glen, VA 22546

ADA Access -- 2nd Street, SE Entrance

2012-01-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

Robin McGrew, cox, graae + spaak, architects, and Mark Bellingham, Project Manager, Monarc Construction, wrap up discussion items from today's Project Meeting at the School's ADA entrance at the rear of the Dent Building. You may recall that there used to be steps down to the sidewalk grade from the parking lot in this spot.

Handicap access to the Dent Building and handicap access within the building are major goals of this renovation project.

Interactive White Boards -- January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

The electricians have run the conduit for the interactive whiteboards that will be installed in most elementary and upper school classrooms. There are plugs for electricity and computer cable. This is the 4th Grade.

Millwork -- January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

The millwork crew is everywhere. Doors are framed and bolted in. Our floorboard design includes a small recessed area through which all the electrical cables run to enable us to take off the unsightly surface mounted wiring we had and avoid the necessity to channel into the plaster walls. Design credit to the architects for this good idea. The former PreK/K classroom is now millwork central. All of the built-in cabinets were assembled offsite and will be delivered for permanent installation very soon.

Light Fixtures -- January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

We did not replace the ceiling light fixtures during the 1998-2000 renovations. Since then the fixtures became totally obsolete. Lighting technology evolved as LEED standards set lighting standards for classrooms and fixtures and bulbs became more energy efficient. Our new lights will be just spectacular. Most will be equipped with motion sensors to turn on (but more importantly off) when a room is not in use.

HVAC -- January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

We hope for a dramatically improved climate control system in the renovated Dent Building. This picture shows the duct work in the Level 3 Foyer area, giving a good idea of the careful attention to wrapping and taping of the ducts to minimize heat and cooling loss. Our former venting was not insulated. This will aid with sound attenuation as well.

Edgy Kennedy Space Center look.

IT Installation -- January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

The School and its information technology partner, Community IT Innovators (CITI), selected Disconnect Reconnect LLC, Fairfax, Virginia, to install the wiring to hook up our computer system. A rational, organized, reliable network backbone for the School's computers is one of the primary objectives we hope to obtain in the renovations. Wiring Dent is one part of Disconnect Reconnect's responsibilities. Wiring between Dent and the adjacent townhouse will be placed underground (no more ugly wires hanging between the buildings) and the townhouse wiring will be upgraded as well.

The picture shows the terminal for computer wires, our IT Frame Room, located on Level 1 about in the same place of the former Receptionist Office where Michael and Barbara used to sit.

CB Flooring -- Hard at Work, January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

CB Flooring, Columbia, Maryland, is the subcontractor Monarc Construction selected to complete the flooring for the renovated Dent Building. They began work this week on the pine wood floors. We elected to retain the original pine wood floors; as many of the doors and walls have been moved from the building's initial design the flooring must shift as well. In these pictures you see the flooring as the floorboards are removed, trimmed, nails removed, and cycled for reuse.

January 5, 2012 -- The Elevator

2012-01-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

The Elevator -- Level 1

The Elevator -- Level 2

The Elevator -- Level 3

The Elevator -- Level 4

The elevator has been installed. Best yet, it works. Verizon will come on January 17th to hook up its telephone line, it will then be inspected, and then it will be commissioned into service. Wow.

Project Meeting -- December 15, 2011

2011-12-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Lots of progress to note at this week's Project Meeting. Monarc Construction has much responsibility to keep the momentum going as we enter the holiday season.

The fire pump. This iconic piece of equipment, subject of hours of discussion, evaluation, review, revision, and eventual purchase, is now installed in a portion of the former PE Storage Room. This pump takes ordinary tap water and pressurizes it to operate the sprinkler system that is being installed on all four floors of the Dent Building.

The subcontractors installing the ceiling grid. The contractors have quite the array of equipment and measures to make sure the grids are level.

Kyle, Ronnie and Alan discuss the proper ratio of water to cement that Kyle is preparing for what will be the floor of a closet on Level 2.

Probably one of the most anticipated improvements to the Dent Building is underway by the School's contractor, Disconnect Reconnect. This firm is installing the wiring for our computer system.

West Chimney -- December 8, 2011

2011-12-08T11:21:00.001-08:00

Following the removal of the West Chimney both above the roof line and in the Library the contractor was able to demo the south wall of the chimney in the 6th grade classroom. In this shot you see what was the chimney flue and have a good angle on how much space will be added to the classroom. The contractor is working on sprinkler system hookups.

Rebuilding the chimney is well underway. The open side of the chimneys on level 4 are on the library and the art room, or north, side of the chimneys, opposite the openings on all three lower levels.

Workmen bring the cement blocks by hand, either one or two blocks per trip, walking up all four floors via the rear stairwell. They sure do wish the Koné Elevator guys would pick up the pace!

Site Visit -- December 8, 2011

2011-12-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

Mark Bellingham, Project Manager, Monarc Construction, at today's Project Meeting.

Ceiling in the foyer area. the shiny pipes are for heating and air conditioning, the small diameter black pipes are for the sprinkler system and the hanging wires, which are difficult to spot, will support the ceiling grid. An arduous task to get everything to fit in the very small spaces that have been allowed for these backbone items.

Level 3 electric panels. One of the very well appreciated amenities in this project -- from the Business Office's perspective for sure!

Level 4 Great Space subflooring. This was unexpected; once we pulled up the wall-to-wall carpet and the old linoleum tiles in the Loft we found an odd, spongy subflooring; a fun-house experience walking around. In addition the floor joists were structurally enhanced at the time of the loft renovation in a piecemeal fashion giving less support than was needed. Understandable as the Loft was at one time just an attic. Well, not to worry; now everything has been redone and sealed with solid plywood subflooring.

The former computer room looking towards the former Loft area incorporating what was the clay room. This room will be the 7th Grade Homeroom and Foreign Language Classroom in the renovated building.

Site Visit -- December 8, 2011

2011-12-08T11:01:00.001-08:00

A construction site is sometimes more difficult to coordinate than conducting an orchestra or perhaps herding cats. The drywall men and mud ladies certainly had a hazy memory of the drawings in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom where as you can see they have "finished off" the strand of temporary lights and a dangling electrical cable.

Progress Report -- December 1, 2011

2011-12-01T09:28:00.001-08:00

Coordination issues are at the forefront at this stage of the renovation project. Subcontractors are working throughout the building and the inevitiable overlap occurs. Project managers, the architect, and even sometimes the owner are drawn in to help navagate a solution.

This azure blue insulation material coats the exterior walls of the Level One classrooms. Nice, bright color!

One of three electrical panels in a newly created Level 3 corridor that provides access to new bathrooms.

From the vantage point of the library you can now look down into the 6th grade classroom since the chimney has been removed. You can see that concrete block is being delivered to begin the reconstruction process.

Our project looks really high-tech in this picture -- taken from the Art Room looking toward the front stairwell. The contractors are installing roof supports and duct work in this area.

The sprinkler install crew and the equipment they use to custom cut sections of pipe.

A view of the Level 2 foyer area. The stairs on the left lead to Jason and Antoinette's Office; the office right behind the stairwell is for Field Education and the doorway with the light streaming in and the visible insulation is the former 1st Grade soon-to-be music room.

Babar en avion -- November 21, 2011

2011-11-21T12:39:00.001-08:00

Babar was discovered behind the loft in the former First Grade Classroom. He will soon be behind wallboard again preserved for the next renovation project.

Chimney -- November 21, 2011

2011-11-21T11:15:00.001-08:00

Poof, the west chimney is no more.

The loft area is quite spacious without the center core chimney. Our makeshift skylight of plastic adds the designer touch.

Chimney bricks have been partially cleaned and stacked under the library skylight. The core support below the roof line will be built of masonry block and the bricks will be recycled to complete the portion of the chimney extending above the roof line.

Now that the temporary steel supports buttressing the chimney have been removed the crew can install the final loft roof support. These steel I bars enable us to remove all the former wood ceiling supports and provide more flexible classroom space. Monarc was able to sell the wood supports to a carpenter who will recycle the posts into furniture.

Interactive White Boards -- November 21, 2011

2011-11-21T11:03:00.001-08:00

The School has selected Epson Brightlink Interactive Projectors for the renovated classrooms in the Dent Building. Thanks to the teachers that helped in evaluating the product:

Second Grade: Krysta French
Third Grade: Sydney Daniels
Fifth Grade: Beth Nalker
Mathematics: Cheryl Fricchione

Coordinating the installation requirements to provide guidance to the Monarc Construction team are John Duffy, Vice-President, Computerware, Robin McGrew, cox graae + spaak,the School's lead architect, Tom Patterson, President, Dancing Wave Media Systems, and Mark Bellingham, Project Manager, Monarc Construction. Even with renovated classrooms each installation required a slight tweak here or there to get the boards installed in the most effective manner.

At Grade Access -- November 11, 2011

2011-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

Work continues on the at grade access to the School through the rear entrance connecting to the sidewalk on 2nd Street, SE.

Chimneys Ahoy! -- November 7, 2011

2011-11-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

4th Floor, West Chimney. The library is to the right and the corridor leading to the former Humanities classroom is on the left.

The Library.

West side of the School looking across 2nd Street, SE. The chimney tilts towards South Carolina Avenue, SE.

In my October 19th post I included a photograph showing the masonry beginning to bulge on the 4th floor's west chimney. The situation quickly deteriorated as the wall began to fail. With the wall bulging out to the north not unsurprisingly the chimney above the roof line began a serious tilt south. Monarc Construction was quick to provide progressively more substantial supports to buttress the wall and hold the chimney in place.

Initially in the design process the School's architects and engineers planned to take down the chimneys as we rebuilt the structural supports through the center of the School to open up space for enlarged classrooms. The chimneys would then be reconstructed. As the project underwent the value-engineering (VE) process we decided on a different approach, one that would retain enough of the chimneys' core to support new structural steel and the existing chimneys. This approach, we expected, would save time and cost less than dismantling and rebuilding the chimneys. Once the wallboard was removed from the west chimney on Levels Three and Four and the cutting began Monarc Construction concluded the remaining bricks and very old mortar were not stable enough to carry the load. When the wall on the 4th floor began to buckle and the chimney began to tilt work in this area was stopped until the experts completed their review and proposed solutions.

Linton Engineering LLC examined the crumbling structure, the original architectural plans, completed then reviewed its recommendations with cox graae + spaak, the School's architects, Monarc Construction,the contractor, and the School's project management team. For the west chimney, then, we return to our original design: the chimney above the roof line will be taken down and the interior chimney supports will be dropped down to Level 3. Level 4 supports will be rebuilt with reinforced masonry block of sufficient strength to support a reconstructed chimney. The east chimney, which was damaged in the earthquake, will also be reinforced.

At Grade Access -- Progress! November 7, 2011

2011-11-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

One of the more difficult issues in adapting a turn-of-the century structure for contemporary use has been at-grade access to the Dent Building and each of its four levels.

The School considered several alternatives to access through the front door within the guidelines provided by the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) and found none satisfactory. We opted to revive an old design dating from the 1998-2000 renovations, an at-grade entrance to the lower level of the Dent Building off 2nd Street. We will install an elevator in the building to serve all four floors. When the renovations are complete Dent will be fully accessible and the School will be in voluntary compliance with 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design for Commercial Facilities.

Construction Progress Report -- October 25, 2011

2011-10-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Each day more and more of the vision of what the School will look like when construction is complete comes into focus. Today's pictures indicate Monarc's progress as the rooms are framed and the finishing touches are made to the support infrastructure.

The wood structure supports the floor of the Rose Window Room.

This is an excellent shot enabling you to visualize the Head of School's Office. The ladder rests against what will be Jason's office. Note it "floats" in the space between Level 2 and the front doors. The south wall of his office,the one facing the front doors, will be glass. Big brother will be watching! The Registrar's Office will be on the angle on which the scaffolding and two construction workers are located. This "L-shaped" space will be the go-to place in the renovated Dent Building.

The Rose Window space.

An excellent view of the space realized by pulling away one side of the massive interior chimneys.

Photo Credits: Heidi Ruesswick

Pebbles on South Carolina Avenue, SE -- October 25, 2011

2011-10-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

Kelly Young, Operations Manager, Capitol Hill Day School, and Phillip Latham, PTSales, check out these "pebbles," small chairs and tables that the School is considering for the foyer on the renovated School's lower level, the early childhood classes.

Funky and fun.

What a wonderful neighborhood -- October 20, 2011

2011-10-21T04:54:00.000-07:00

The Monarc Construction crew was on the Dent School roof and took this picture looking towards the Capitol and Washington Monument. Capitol Hill Day School is located in the most beautiful of Washington's neighborhoods is it not?

Photo Credit: Mark Bellingham

Dent Building Framing -- October 19, 2011

2011-10-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Today is a "mark your calendar" kind of day -- the project takes a giant step from destruction to construction with the delivery of the studs to frame the interior walls.

Seeing these huge vehicles navigate our alley on a near daily basis is fascinating. Once they get to the School parking lot the beep-beep-beep of their backup warning system seems of indeterminable length as they maneuver back and forth to come as close to the building as they can to offload construction materials.

214 South Carolina Avenue, SE -- October 19, 2011

2011-10-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

The 214 South Carolina Avenue, SE bathroom project is now complete. This bath is on level 2 of the townhouse and is primarily for the 8th Grade homeroom and humanities students.

The design and installation was completed by Stephen Mercer, Mercer Contracting, LLC.

Stephen realigned and added weatherstripping to the building's exterior doors.

Seasonal Greetings from Monarc Construction -- October 19, 2011

2011-10-19T10:32:00.001-07:00

The men of Monarc Construction added seasonal touch to their sign in front of the Dent School.

Demo and Steel Wrap-up October 19, 2011

2011-10-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Monarc Construction has finished nearly all the demolition work planned for the interior of the Dent Building. Wow! Do we now have space! Most of the steel has gone in to replace the brick and mortar infrastructure. Today two very long I-beams are being installed in the loft -- one runs from the northeast corner of the building to the center of the great space and the second runs from the southwest corner of the building to the center of the great space. With this installation we can remove several of the former wood supports making the 4th Floor area "support free." It will no longer look like a reconverted attic.

As I have mentioned in several posts over the past few months the most dramatic enhancement to the Dent Building is to the core structure inside the front door running from Level 1, the former Reception Area, through the entrance foyer, stairs to nowhere, and to the Rose Window Room.

The vision is taking shape as you can see in the following pictures:

This picture is taken from Level 1 looking towards the existing front door. The structural steel will support the new entrance foyer and reception area. The structural steel at the higher elevation supports the flooring for the Head of School and Registrar's Offices.

The foyer area is framed and ready for concrete to be poured. The two vertical plywood panels protect the front doors from construction damage. We plan to replicate the terrazzo flooring that was in the original Dent Building.

Looking up towards Level 3 you see the framing to support the Rose Window Room. The space between the steel beams, below, and the wood joists, above, will be offices for the Head of School and the Registrar.

Et Voilà! The Rose Window Room is now level with the rest of Level 3 and the foyer area is substantially wider.

This shot is from the landing in the rear stairwell looking down to the entrance to Level 3. Note all the different patching that has been done over the years as this entrance has been modified. We have moved it again in this project.

This is the west chimney as seen from the library. It is a little wobbly right now and has some temporary support.

With the steel in and the walls buttressed the concrete trucks are delivering load after load to complete the footings and level the floors.

Dent Renovation -- Remarkable Progress -- September 29, 2011

2011-09-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

A stunning amount of structural work has been accomplished in the Dent School. At this point the future classrooms are beginning to take shape and they will be large! Structural steel is in place providing support to the ceilings in the place of the masonry that has been removed. In the center core area, behind the School's front door, steel framing is going up tracing the location of the new offices for the Head of School and the enlarged Rose Window Room.

Monarc says the demo team will open up the interior chimneys beginning Monday, October 3rd. This will add the final bit of real estate we're seeking to provide more space in the renovated facility.

Jason Gray, Head of School, Robin McGrew, Architect, cox graae + spaak, Ron Wetzel, Monarc Site Supervisor, and Ardi Love-Small, Monarc's Project Manager, critique the steel beams supporting the floor above.

The ceiling just outside what was the Registrar's Office.

The steel guys hamming it up for the camera. This huge I Beam came in through the 4th Grade window and will be positioned in the ceiling about where the 4th Grade sink and staff room photocopier were.

The Monarc Team: Ardi Love-Small and Ron Wetzel.

A serious Jason Gray checks out the creosoted chimney in what was the interior Library wall. We plan to incorporate the chimney areas into the library space as book nooks to retain some of the period architectural design of the turn-of-the-century Dent Building.

Good Bye Generator! - September 30, 2011

2011-09-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

MC Dean, the contractor that completed the electrical installation at 1000 5th Street, SE, wraps up its responsibility today as the generator that powered the school during our first few weeks of operation awaiting PEPCO is towed off the lot.

Using a generator was in our contingency plan to provide electric service to the modular units. It was a contingency that we did not think would occur given all the hurdles in the power supply chain that had been successfully overcome during the design and construction process. However, the double whammy of the delay in delivering the modular units to the site plus PEPCO's diversion to higher priority service requirements following Hurricane Irene activated our Plan B.

MC Dean provided flawless support during our period of temporary generator use both in keeping the unit mechanically fit but as important keeping it fueled even when that required weekend and holiday deliveries.

Photo Credit: Kelly P. Young

New Bathroom for 214 -- September 20, 2011

2011-09-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Mercer Contracting, LLC is busily working on creating a new bathroom for the 2nd Level of the 214 South Carolina Avenue, SE townhouse. The townhouse's Level 2 will be the Eighth Grade Homeroom when the Dent Renovations are complete and the faculty and staff return to our main campus.

Not unsurprisingly, the sub-flooring is partially rotten from a long-leaking toilet. Over the years water had seeped in between the layers of linoleum. This mold has to be the origin of the foul smell that has bedeviled the cubby area for years.

Alex Chance and Stephen Mercer are hard at work in this "demo" phase.

The charming '60s linoleum is the first layer in what was a multi-layer linoleum compilation on the floor of the bathroom.

Colors, Fabrics, Tiles, Carpets -- September 16, 2011

2011-09-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

The whimsical, fun part of the Dent renovation project -- choosing the interior finishes. Robin McGrew, cox graae + spaak, the School's architect, took advantage of the nice fall day today to set-up the color and texture palette on the zig-zag in front of the Dent School. Heidi Ruesswick joined Jason Gray in reviewing the selections to help us make final decisions.

Of course always paying attention to the budget!

Dent Progress Meeting -- September 15, 2011

2011-09-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Monarc Construction, our contractor, cox graae + spaak, the architects, the School, and our project manager meet on a regular basis to review progress on the Dent renovation project. From left to right, Robin McGrew, our architect, Ron Wetzel, Monarc's Site Supervisor, Mark Bellingham, Monarc's Project Manager, and Tom Bien, the School's Project Manager. We meet in the Second Grade classroom.

The elevator shaft is under construction. For many weeks Monarc was digging down to create room for the elevator housing. With that phase complete the beginnings of the shaft have taken place on Level 1 in the space that used to be the entrance to the Kindergarten classroom.

Most of the structural steel is in place on Level 1 so the "action" has moved up one floor. The shoring, or temporary supports, are supporting the ceiling to Level 2. The perspective is from the PreK-K classroom looking towards the original entrance of the School. The PE office, the Business Office, and stairs to nowhere have been removed. Steel beams are on site; once they are in place then the scaffolding will be removed and taken up one more floor to support the ceiling in Level 3.

PEPCO - We have POWER! -- September 14, 2011

2011-09-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

PEPCO completed the final few steps to connect our electrical panel to the grid Tuesday evening, September 13. This morning, MC Dean, our electrical contractor, added the final touches and flipped the switch. With this step completed we not only have a dedicated source for electricty but are also able to activate 24 hour/day coverage for our fire alarm system and intrusion alarm system. Progress.

PEPCO was originally scheduled to complete this work in August but Hurricane Irene disrupted its schedule. PEPCO crews were deployed throughout the metro area to restore power to thousands of existing customers who lost power because of the hurricane before adding new customers. Fortunately we were able to operate with generator power for the past few weeks until a crew could hook us up.

Photos:

Compliant Accessory Products is on site to complete the remaining details on our entry ramp: additional stairs and an awning.

The First Grade class is returning to School from the Joy Evans Playground located just across L Street from the School behind the Van Ness Elementary School.

The 7th Grade class is off to Garfield Park for Physical Education with Ms. Sellers and Mr. MacLeod.

Fire and Life Safety -- September 13, 2011

2011-09-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

An issue with the building renovation that has required a great deal of thought is the installation of a sprinkler system. Our goal is to install a state-of-the art fire detection and sprinkler system in an 1899 building while preserving the architectural integrity of the structure and original building components such as the American Chestnut classroom doors. Tossing in a contemporary building code and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) adds another dimension to already complex discussions with significant cost implications.

In our meeting, Tom Bien, the Day School's project manager for the Dent renovations, reviews our goals with Gareth Koogle, Shafer, Troxell & Howe, Inc., the firm that our contractor, Monarc Construction, has selected to install a fire pump, David Bain, Sales and Project Manager, East Coast Fire Protection Division of Fire & Life Safety America, the sprinkler subcontractor, and Brian Drinkard, Design Manager, Fire & Life Safety America. At the conclusion of this site survey the sprinkler contractor will complete trade submissions for review by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Once the trade permit is issued everyone will get to work.

Dent Renovations -- August 29 - September 2

2011-09-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have posted pictures of the scaffolding Monarc Construction has erected in the Dent Building to temporarily support the School and permit new, permanent steel supports to be installed. Construction work is a dangerous profession, and this message hit home during the earthquake. Imagine the momentary abject fear the men in this building experienced during the earthquake; they believed that the noise and shaking was the building collapsing on their heads.

Fortunately for the men and for our construction project the shoring and remaining bricks and mortar held. Following a structural inspection of the building only a portion of the chimney was damaged and had to be removed.

A substantial amount of structural steel is in place in Level 1. Installing supports in an existing building has to be carefully engineered and completed by skilled workers.

Photos:

1. Structural steel in the parking lot awaiting installation.

2. Dumpster of bricks and mortar. A significant portion of the Dent Building has left the School in dumpsters.

3. The former ASP/SC Office is in the foreground looking towards the PreKindergarten classroom. All those skinny poles, the shoring, held up the three floors above during the earthquake.

4. New structural steel installed in the ceiling of the Kindergarten classroom.

5. The elevator pit.

6. The "dead space" between the Science Room and the 5th Grade. A steel beam will replace the wall on the right and this space will be incorporated in the former 5th Grade to create the new Science Laboratory.

Level Green Landscaping -- The Level Best!

2011-09-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

Level Green Landscaping, LLC, is putting the final touches on the School's modular units at 1000 5th Street, SE. Level Green, of which Douglass Delano, parent of Marion, Capitol Hill Day School Class of 2007, and William, a rising Day School 7th Grader, is a principal, has maintained the School's properties on South Carolina Avenue, SE for many years.

Thanks, Doug and the Level Green team; the temporary structure looks great!

Our downspouts and splash pads were installed by R. W. Kibler, General Contractors, Hyattsville, MD.

Moving into the Mods - September 1, 2011

2011-09-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

As we prepare for opening of School we held our first full faculty meeting in the 2nd Grade Classroom.

Galen Wenger, CITI, works in the temporary server room to arrange IT support.

The Fine Arts Department, Andrew Taylor, Music, and Adrienne Nelson, Drama, work on plans for the year's musical on the sidewalk driven out by the fire alarm tests.

Classroom Activity -- August 30, 2011

2011-08-30T16:25:00.000-07:00

Teachers have been very busy unpacking and arranging classroom supplies and equipment in their new rooms.

George Watson and Laura Nakatani set-up in the First Grade is substantially complete.

Lindsey Sykes is stitching her first classroom activity in Pre-Kindergarten.

David Macleod, Physical Education Teacher, indicates where he will have his PE equipment shed installed.

Fire and Life Safety -- 1000 5th Street, SE

2011-08-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

The School has contracted with BFPE International to install our fire detection system and security system for our temporary location. BFPE has been on site pulling cable, installing strobes, sirens, and the control panel. A separate team has installed motion detectors and door alarms to monitor after hours access.

Dent Renovations -- Chimney Removal -- August 30, 2011

2011-08-30T05:19:00.001-07:00

Monarc's Ronnie and Kyle high up in a cherry picker to guide a crane to the Dent School's chimney that was damaged by the earthquake. Linton Engineering, LLC, evaluated the structure following the earthquake and has recommended that the unstable portion of the chimneys' crown be removed before Monarc can continue structural work inside the building. The two chimneys are so unstable that there is risk that construction vibration could crumble the chimneys damaging the School's original slate roof.

The crane and cherry picker's arrival on site was delayed as they were deployed to aid in tree removal and PEPCO power restoration. What will be next?

Capitol Hill Day School -- Sign

2011-08-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

Jason Gray, Head of School, Stephen Mercer and Lester Edwards from Mercer Contracting, LLC, pose with the sign at the entrance of the School's temporary location at 1000 5th Street, SE.

The sign was designed and crafted by Ted Gerhart, Gerhart Studios, Lancaster, PA.

South Carolina Avenue Furniture Showroom - August 25, 2011

2011-08-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

With a large portion of the Dent Renovation Building Project under contract our design team has begun to look at new furniture for the beautiful space we will soon occupy.

Paul Johnson, PJ and Company, the School's long-time furniture supplier, and Carmen Braun, Marketing Manager, VS America, Inc., presented their line of school and office furniture to us. Carmen's van was loaded with samples which she displayed and we tested on South Carolina Avenue's sidewalk -- a beautiful showroom.

Jason Gray, Head of School, Kelly Young, Operations Manager, and Robin McGrew, cox graae + spaak architects, dutifully took each item of furniture for a short test drive.

Earthquake Damages the Dent School

2011-08-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

The August 23, 2011 earthquake slightly damaged the Dent School building. One of the east chimney supports is weakened and there is a risk that pieces of brick, bricks, or chunks of the chimney could fall. Please respect the yellow caution tape restricting access to School property to avoid any possible accidents.

The School's structural engineer will examine the building and our contractor, Monarc Construction, will perform necessary repairs in accordance with the engineer's recommendations.

Photo Credits: Mark Bellingham

Swing Site Activity - August 24, 2011

2011-08-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Concrete poured for sidewalks, siding skirt installed on L Street SE end of the modulars, and ramps and stairs assembled ready to be positioned in place.

Swing Site Activity -- August 24, 2011

2011-08-24T08:48:00.001-07:00

In a normal year we might have residual touch-up painting, some custom carpentry, certainly trash removal and final cleaning before School opens. What a difference this year.

This morning there is a whole lot more going on. Paxton Van Lines is delivering our furniture and supplies from temporary storage, MC Dean is completing the electrical hookups, Roshal Construction Company is finalizing additional work on the plumbing connections, and Anchor Construction is preparing sidewalks, a pad for the trash dumpsters, and ramp access. Compliant Access Products, Cincinnati, Ohio, has arrived to deliver and place the stairs and handicap access ramps for the modular units. Our install team from Mobile Home Master Movers is completing the tie-downs for final structural inspection. Yesterday's earthquake was a good trial run; their straps and footings held up just fine. Mercer Contracting LLC is hard at work installing shelving and cubbies. BFPE International is running cable for the fire alarm system. Just another busy day.

Jason Gray, Head of School, and Chris Regan, Project Manager, keep their eyes on all the site-work.

Plumbing - 1000 5th Street, SE

2011-08-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

The School contracted with Roshal Construction Company, Inc., to complete the plumbing installation to the modular units. The units came with the interior plumbing complete but the manufacturer leaves the pipes for water intake and evacuation and sewer evacuation just sticking through the floor boards. Lenny Roshal and his men connected all these pipes, are setting up the hot and cold water runs, and MC Dean will insulate the pipes so we do not suffer should there be freezing weather before we return to the Dent Building.

Crawling around in the limited crawl space to complete this precision work is not a walk in the park. Not even yesterday's earthquake slowed these men down.

Dent Renovations - August 15 - 19, 2011

2011-08-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Monarc Construction and its subcontractors continued the massive demolition work to set the structural steel. Last week's post showed the shoring in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom that would temporarily hold up the floors above so the arched wall could be removed. The temporary support is now gone and a 27" I beam is now doing the job.

This week's pictures chronicle more demolition. Once the steel is in place we should be reporting construction rather than destruction.

Photos:

1. The former Computer Room
2. From the Loft looking down the hallway to the Humanities classroom. Math on the left.
3. 4th Grade Classroom minus (now including) the Staff Room and the IT/Kitchen nook.
4. The former Music Room

Swing Space Activity - August 19, 2011

2011-08-19T12:31:00.001-07:00

MC Dean, the School's electrical contractor, buries cable from the electric panel to two sub panels that will be mounted on the modular units. Once this connection is made the contractor will run power to lights, heating/air conditioning units, and plugs.

Looking towards M Street, SE the trailers are gradually filling the lot. One unit, at the end, is moving into place.

Jimmy Welsh, Master Movers' site supervisor, guides a modular unit into alignment. He guides the yellow Bobcat remotely using a set of many levers that he has fastened around his waist. Jimmy is so experienced in this maneuver that the unit quickly moves into position and then is raised to plum. Another machine raises the the other end of the unit into position. Other installers quickly bring in the ABS pads, cinder blocks, and shims to provide permanent support. The precision and synchronization that these skilled workmen bring to the task of assembling these units is amazing.

Modular Units Arrive -- August 16, 2011

2011-08-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

The modular units arrive in groups of two or three on schedule at the School's temporary site location, 1000 5th Street, SE. We require sixteen (16) modular sections; each is customized to meet the School's educational requirements. As a result, they have to arrive on site in order. The lot is too small to store sections on site so our "staging ground" is in Richmond, VA. One truck cannot get ahead or fall behind another. When the sequence is disrupted, which does happen, the entire delivery and set-up cycle may be delayed impacting the work of all the firms we have hired to complete work to get the units prepared for the opening of school.

Our installation subcontractor, Master Movers, uses the yellow Bobcat, shown below, to rapidly align the modular units as they arrive with those that have already been installed. This versatile piece of equipment quickly and almost effortlessly swings the huge modular sections on to the site and into place. Precision work expertly done. At the same time the exterior crew sets the modular units on ABS pads and seals the roof an interior crew is bolting the joists and completing the finish work.

Electrical Panel Inspection - August 16, 2011

2011-08-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

MC Dean, the firm that the School selected to complete the power installation for the modular units at 1000 5th Street, SE, completes last minute preparations and final review prior to inspection. Great news! The inspection was favorable. With this approval the School will request PEPCO to deliver power to the panel.

Dent Renovation Project - August 15, 2011

2011-08-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

The first load of steel was delivered today. Two huge 27" I beams will go in Level 1's ceiling to support the three higher floors.

Dent Renovation Progress August 8 - 12, 2011

2011-08-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Monarc Construction and its crews were in full gear last week. Demolition continued on the interior bearing walls. The lumber delivered earlier is up in the loft with the area for the new heating and air conditioning system taking shape. Concrete was delivered and many, substantially sized footings were poured.

Picture Descriptions:

1. The PreKindergarten classroom. Minus the first set of interior arches.

2. The Science Room.

3. The Library. The interior wall looks so different!

4. The Loft. The former bathroom is to the left of the brick wall.

5. Level 1 Foyer Area. Even at this early stage of the renovation project it is possible to visualize how this enlarged foyer area will be a welcoming, functional space for early childhood teachers, students, and parents.

Progress Report 1000 5th Street SE - August 12, 2011

2011-08-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

The District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) issued a building permit to allow us to assemble the modular classroom units on our temporary location, 1000 5th Street SE. Our supplier, Mobile Modular, has contracted with Mobile Home Master Movers of North Carolina to set up and trim out the units. We have received two sections and fourteen more are on the road from Florida, where they were assembled, to the site and are expected to arrive over the next few days.

Master Movers will set the units on their foundations, secure the units to each other, and trim out or finish the ceilings and floors so the final space appears seamless.

Once the modular units have been assembled electrical, plumbing, fire and life safety, security and communications personnel will complete specialized tasks in their areas of expertise.

Jimmy Welsh, Master Movers' Site Supervisor, reviews the work-in-progress with Chris Regan, Capitol Hill Day School's Project Manager, and Juan Garzon, Third Party Inspection Coordinator, Amar Group, LLC.

Progress, Swing Space Site - August 8, 2011

2011-08-08T06:29:00.001-07:00

Anchor Construction begins work. Capitol Hill Day School has contracted with Anchor Construction to provide connections to DC WASA's water and sewer lines for the modular units that will be placed at our temporary location, 1000 5th Street, SE.

The water line tap is shown here as Anchor is excavating L Street, SE to run a water line into the lot.

First Photo Credit: Jason Gray
Remaining Photo Credits: Bill Chappell

Dent Renovation Work August 1 - 5, 2011

2011-08-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Monarc Construction continued progress in several areas this week. All of the light fixtures are now off the ceilings, several new footings have been dug through the Level 1 floor, and the elevator pit is impressive.

New this week is shoring, or the support of the existing structure so that the construction company can demolish the interior walls. This temporary scaffolding and iron work braces the walls and supports the ceilings during the renovation process.

The most dramatic scaffolding is in the center core. This scaffolding and iron beams support the bearing walls perpendicular to the front of the School.

Picture Captions:

1. Shoring Subcontractor's erector set supplies are delivered and stacked in the parking lot.

2. Scaffolding in the center core of the Dent Building.

3. Level 3 Restrooms. Monarc pierced the walls for the steel supports that, in conjunction with the scaffolding, is the fulcrum to provide temporary support for the bearing wall.

4. The other side of the wall from Picture 3. Note the two holes below the steel I bars -- this is where permanent steel beams will go to support the new floor. The two windows were over Jeff's and my desks. If you look closely you can see the plugs for our computers!

5. Prekindergarten classroom. Another temporary support. This brace will bear the load while the arched brick is removed from the prekindergarten classroom.

First Two Mods Delivered! August 3, 2011

2011-08-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

With a police escort, flashing lights, much interest from the senior citizen residences, and top management from Mobile Modular to assist with traffic control, the first two modular units were delivered to 1000 5th Street this morning.

Accokeek Fence Company and Rodriguez Remodeling and Construction Company completed the site preparation work to enable the tractor trailers transporting the modulars to access the site safely.

The next group will be trucked onto the site this Friday, August 5th.

From top to bottom:

1. Our temporary School's Main Entrance. Kelly Young, Operations Manager, and Dave Etzel, Mobile Modular, lead the way.

2. The first modular unit. Each modular unit is one half of a room. On the left is the future PreKindergarten classroom and on the right in this unit will be the IT Frame Room and the Head of School's Office.

3. Two truck crews, lead and follow trucks and site installation. Many people are pitching in to get the School up and running.

4. Our Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) escort.

5. Turning from M Street to 5th Street, SE, was difficult -- not a surprise -- by an illegally parked car.

6. The modular units arrived driving east on M Street, SE. Van Ness School is to the left.

Dent Renovation Progress July 25 - 29

2011-07-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Monarc Construction estimates that it has completed 77% of the demolition work. Nothing remains of the center core but a small pile of rubble. Excavation work on the footings and the elevator shaft shows progress as well.

Picture Captions:

1. Elevator pit. The elevator pit is at the former entrance to the Kindergarten classroom.

2. Loft "Great Space" Sunlight streaming in on the upper left is from the library entrance. The ladder on the right is where the drama closet used to be.

3. The Science Room minus (or now including) the Head of School's former office.

4. The PE Office.

5. Level One. The small opening on the left is the entrance to the PreK under-the-stairwell storage space. The remaining rubble is where the Receptionists' Office was. The construction debris and dirt unearthed from the footings is carried out bucket by bucket by the demolition crew.

Thanks, DDOT

2011-07-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

DC's Department of Transportation installed a new stop sign at the corner of South Carolina Avenue, SE, at 2nd Street.

Bartlett Tree Service gave a haircut to the tree at the corner a few weeks ago. This revealed a pretty dilapidated stop sign that must have caught DDOT's attention.

Thanks, DDOT, for the bright, shiny new red stop sign!

Delivery, July 29, 2011

2011-07-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Cardinal Logistics Management Corporation delivered laminated wood to the site today. Our first major delivery of building material. We will now start to build.

This wood will be used to construct the support framing, or the cage, that will contain the new heating and air conditioning unit for Level 4 -- the Art Room, Library, classrooms and hallway.

We will watch with interest to see how these huge slabs of lumber are transported from the parking lot to the Loft.

Swing Space -- Milestone

2011-07-28T09:49:00.001-07:00

MC Dean, the electrical contractor for the modular unit installation at 1000 5th Street, SE, completed the electric panel installation. PEPCO issued its final "ok" inspection today. We now have electric power at the site!

Since the modular units will be installed on a vacant lot the School has to arrange for initial hookups for all the utilities. With electrical completed we move on to water, for which the nearest source is in L Street, SE, and sewer, which DC WASA has permitted us to use an abandoned sewer line that traverses the lot. Verizon and Comcast are working on telephone and T1.

Dent Renovation Progress - July 18 - 22

2011-07-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

During the week of July 18 - 22 Monarc Construction continued demolition work in the Dent Building. The classrooms have been restored to their original size -- no more Level 3 bathrooms, the staff room is gone, the manny office is no more. Wow -- the rooms are large! The final design will retain much of the space that has been created through the demo process.

The most dramatic aspect of this phase is the work on the central core running from the main entrance foyer and steps up to Level 2, the Business Office and the Rose Window Room. This entire space is now open. The Head of School's office, an enlarged Rose Window area, and what should be a dramatic entrance foyer will be constructed in this space.

Scrolling through the photographs:

1. Monarc's artist-in-residence has protected the Rose Window symbol over the Level 2 rear exit door.

2. Monarc was surprised to "discover" this new stairway that was not on any plan. It is the former PreK storage closet.

3. Dumpsters come and go as the rubble is moved offsite.

4. The near area is the former secure storage room behind the Receptionist's Office. The far stairwell connected Levels 1 and 2.

5. This is the former Drama Closet on Level 4. The elevator will be located in this spot.

6. Recycled brass hardware from the interior classroom doors.

7. Refinished interior doors that will be reused following renovations.

Sunflowers - July 21, 2011

2011-07-21T04:59:00.001-07:00

Renovation Bond Financing Completed July 20,2011

2011-07-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Jocelyn Kho, Secretary, Board of Trustees, Capitol Hill Day School, Jason Gray, Head of School, and Jim Woolwine, Business Manager, signed all the documents to enable the School to borrow $4,500,000 by issuing tax exempt bonds which were purchased by TD Bank. The proceeds of the loan will finance the Dent School Renovation project.

Lender: TD Bank, Patricia A. Lenahan, Senior Vice-President
School's Counsel: Arent Fox, Eve Corbin, Partner
Financial Advisor: Davenport & Company, LLC, Roland Kooch, Jr., Vice-President

Closing was at the offices of Squire, Saunders & Dempsey, LLP, Bond Counsel for the District of Columbia.

First Photo Credit: Eve Corbin

Construction Schedule July 18 - 22

2011-07-18T04:45:00.000-07:00

Demolition will continue this week -- All of the interior framing, fixtures, plumbing, and partitions to the Dent Building have already been removed. Now Monarc is jack-hammering into the structure of the building to create the open spaces envisioned by our architects, cox graae + spaak. Concrete, bricks, and debris fly out of the School's rear windows into the dumpsters.

Monarc will also cut and pour footings for the new structural supports.

Middle photo credit: Jason Gray

DC Council Vote -- July 12, 2011

2011-07-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

SEVENTEENTH LEGISLATIVE MEETING JOHN A. WILSON BUILDING, COUNCIL CHAMBER TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2011 AGENDA FINAL - 7/11/11

4. (Council Rule 339) Capitol Hill Day School Revenue Bonds Committee on Finance and Project Approval Resolution of 2011 Revenue (PR 19-243) Chairperson Evans

At its final session before summer recess, the DC Council gave final approval for Capitol Hill Day School to issue $4.5M of tax-exempt bonds. With this approval the School and its financing institution, TDBank, expect to close on the loan July 20th.

New Windows -- 214 South Carolina Avenue, SE

2011-07-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Renovation of the Dent Building has been our primary renovation focus. 214 South Carolina Avenue, SE, the School's townhouse adjacent to Dent, has received attention as well.

New windows were installed on July 7th. The School selected Renewal By Anderson of Washington DC & Maryland to complete the installation. We replaced our 6 over 6 windows with One over Ones, significantly improving the aesthetics of this classic Capitol Hill townhouse.

Demo Demo Demo -- July 1, 2011

2011-07-01T06:05:00.001-07:00

Progress pictures on demolition in the Dent Building. These pictures show Level 1, the Dent Building's ground level.

1. Arches in the original design looking from the Kindergarten to the Pre-Kindergarten classroom.

2. Level 1 Foyer area.

3. Former Pre-Kindergarten bathroom.

4. Pre-Kindergarten Classroom.

5. Former Music Room.

6. Kindergarten Classroom.

7. Former Receptionist's Office.

Summer Time Staff Meetings - June 28, 2011

2011-06-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

An important meeting to review the Heating and A/C installation for the new building was held on June 29th. Checking out the duct work and piping in the Dent Building include Tom Bien, Project Manager, Robin McGrew, Architect, Chris Ware, President, Omega Engineering, Priscilla Moreno, Omega Engineering, Jim Van Hook, Clover Contracting, and Ardi Love-Smalls, Monarc Construction.

Now that Monarc Construction has taken over the Dent Building and summer is upon us, Jason Gray, Head of School, holds his weekly meeting with the remaining Administrative Staff in the garden behind 214 South Carolina Avenue, SE along with equipment and supplies yet to find a new home.

Bartlett Tree Service -- June 27, 2011

2011-06-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Capitol Hill Day School has contracted with Bartlett Tree Service to repair the damage to the trees resulting from Paxton Van Lines' trucks. Bartlett completed this project on June 29, 2011.

We will also do some extra work on the tree at the corner of South Carolina Avenue and 2nd Streets, SE so the stop sign is more visible. This might help reduce the number of drivers who turn up 2nd Street with complete disregard for the stop sign and/or the pedestrians in the crosswalk.

We have requested the City through the DC On-line Support Center to replace the maple tree opposite 533 2nd Street, SE which is dying. Casey Tree Service, which manages the trees in the District, but the request for service has to be channeled through the Mayor's non-emergency line.

For additional information contact Jim Woolwine, Business Manager, Capitol Hill Day School, (202) 386-9926 or via email (jimw@chds.org).

DC Council - Committee on Finance and Revenue

2011-06-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Jim Woolwine, Business Manager, Capitol Hill Day School, testified on Monday, June 20th before the District of Columbia City Council Committee on Finance and Revenue. The Committee Chair, Council Member Jack Evans, Presided.

Stan Jackson, Project Manager, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, DC Revenue Bond-Enterprise Zone Program, introduced the School's proposed tax exempt bond application and reviewed the clearance process that the School has completed.

Jim Woolwine's testimony stated that the School intends to utilize the bond proceeds to finance the renovation, equipping, and furnishing of the former Dent school Building, a 19th Century structure located at 210 South Carolina Avenue, SE.

There were no questions for Mr. Jackson or Mr. Woolwine from the Chair nor was there any public comment. The resolution will now proceed through mark-up and presentation for a vote before City Council which we expect will occur the week of July 18th.

Eve Corbin, Partner, Arent & Fox, LLC, assisted with the testimony.

Garfield Park Tune-Up

2011-06-18T05:34:00.001-07:00

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) contract park maintenance crew stopped in Garfield Park to trim, weed, edge, and mulch the play equipment. The area looks great! Thanks DPR.

Garfield Park is a DC public park maintained with the help of the Friends of Garfield Park (FOGP), a 501(c)3 community group. The Capitol Hill Day School maintains the children's play equipment for the enjoyment of everyone.

Head of School on the Move

2011-06-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

Head of School Jason Gray concluded graduation ceremonies for our eighth graders today, Friday, June 17th and, following a quick change of clothes, wrapped and boxed the remaining items his office. Priscilla Lund, Director of Admission, lends a helping hand.

The Head of School will be temporarily housed in the Conference Room, Level 3, 214 South Carolina Avenue, SE. His telephone number remains the same (202) 386-9925.

Voice and Data Communications

2011-06-17T13:15:00.001-07:00

The School's telephone and data "frame room" in the Dent Building will be temporarily housed in the adjacent townhouse, 214 South Carolina Avenue, SE. Our long-time telephone partner, Clear Connections, Inc., is moving the mainframe and rewiring 214 to provide handset and data drops for the administrative and instructional support staff that will be relocated to the adjacent space. Dave and Tyrone are the men on the job. Ben was here earlier this week. Fortunately these gentlemen have the patience that working in our wonderful old buildings requires so they can get the job done. The cable lines in 214 are a work in progress!

We anticipate making the big "switch" from one building to another early in the week of June 27th.

Technology -- Pack-out Challenge

2011-06-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Mark Anderson, Paxton Van Lines, reviews our computer inventory with Galen Wenger, CITI Manager, to make sure that all the School's computers are inventoried and identified for interim use in the swing space, 1000 5th Street, SE; the adjacent townhouse, 214 South Carolina Avenue, SE; St. Mark's Episcopal Church for Summer Camp; or placed in temporary storage until we return to a renovated Dent School.

Galen was attentive, as well, to make sure that computers identified for replacement and the new computers we are ordering are integrated into the move scenario.

Emergency No Parking June 20 - 21, 2011

2011-06-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

Capitol Hill Day School will restrict parking in front of the School on South Carolina Avenue, SE, and on 2nd Street, SE adjacent to the School on Monday and Tuesday, June 20-21 to enable Paxton Van Lines to pack us up and out!

Monday will be the last day for faculty. Monarc Construction, our contractor, will report on Tuesday June 21st to begin the building renovations.

And so ends academic year 2010-2011.

Financing Resolution Approved June 14, 2011

2011-06-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

At its regular monthly meeting held Tuesday, June 14, 2011, the Board of Trustees approved a resolution authorizing the School to to issue tax-exempt revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4.5 million to finance, refinance, or reimburse the School for all or a portion of the School’s cost to do the following, pursuant to a plan of finance (collectively, the “Project”):

(1) renovate, equip and furnish the School’s approximately 25,000 square foot Dent School Building (the “Building”) located at 210 South Carolina Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C., including, but not limited to:

a. the addition of a secure reception area and modern science laboratory;
b. the enlarging of common areas and classrooms;
c. the provision of elevator access to all floors of the Building;
d. technological upgrades; and
e. the installation of a building-wide sprinkler system;

(2) fund, to the extent financeable, any working capital costs, capitalizable expenditures functionally related and subordinate to the Project, construction period interest, and any debt service reserve, if necessary or appropriate; and

(3) pay costs of issuance for the Bonds.

Eve Corbin, Partner, Arent and Fox LLC, the School's counsel in the financing process assisted with the presentation to the Board.

Library Packs Today - June 13, 2011

2011-06-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Capitol Hill Day School Library has closed and today the men and women of Paxton Van Lines, Inc., are on site to pack and store most of the library and materials until we return to the Dent School in 2012. Many thanks to Thea Koehler, the School Librarian, for her diligent work preparing for the move, and, as you can see in the snapshots accompanying this post, she is actively supervising as well!

Kickoff for Construction -- June 22, 2011

2011-06-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Monarc Construction will report to work at the Dent School on Tuesday, June 22nd to begin our building renovation project.

Schedule:

Week of June 22 - June 24: Salvage Work -- Clean out all of the interior furniture, fixtures, remaining classroom items and detritus from the Dent Building. This is called the "Make Safe" phase.

Week of June 27 - July 1: Interior Demolition will begin. Footings will be dug. Interior structural steel will be delivered.

I will keep the schedule updated as many weeks in advance as is feasible.

Preconstruction Meeting June 7, 2011

2011-06-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

One of many preconstruction meetings at Monarc Construction to conclude the design work for the Dent School Renovation Project. This meeting, June 7, 2011, focused on the design of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. One of the principal goals of the renovation project is to improve our current heating and air conditioning system to include attaining a higher level of operating efficiency.

In this picture Ardi Love-Smalls and Marc Bellingham, Project Managers for Monarc Construction (on left), discuss the project specifications with Tom Bien, Project Manager, Capitol Hill Day School, Robin McGrew, Architect, cox graae + spaak, and Jim Van Hook, Operations Manager, Clover Contracting, Inc., the company that has been chosen to complete the "design build" HVAC component of the Building Project.

Jim is consulting with his firm's MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) engineer on a technical issue that the design team posed.

Parking Restrictions -- 2nd St and SC Avenues

2011-06-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

The School has requested Emergency No Parking -- Moving Vans for the following streets and dates:

South Carolina Avenue, in front of the School
500 block of 2nd Street, SE, adjacent to the School

Monday June 13
Tuesday June 14

Monday June 20
Tuesday June 21

If you have any questions please give the School a call -- (202) 547-2244

Sort, Toss, Save, Pack -- Saturday, May 21, 2011

2011-05-23T13:35:00.001-07:00

Saturday, May 21st was an optional Sort, Toss, Save, Pack, Label and Stack day for Capitol Hill Day School faculty and staff. Jason Gray, Head of School, graciously provided lunch for us.

The Second Grade Team, Kendall Grier and Barbara Keeling, generated a bumper crop of boxes for storage. Barbara Keeling completes her 29th year at Capitol Hill Day School. This week she will be seasoning her 25th Pow Wow Stew! Over the span of her remarkable career she has taught in 4th, 1st, and 2nd Grades. I just don't know if we can continue to do justice to beavers, buffaloes, crickets, worms, and all the states in the United States without her.

Beth Nalker and Molly Doyle, in 5th Grade, were very well organized and packed boxes adding to our Iron Mountain collection.

Laura Nakatani, First Grade, brings down another box for storage. We sent 110 boxes to Iron Mountain on Monday. Whew!

Monarc Construction -- Footing Evaluation, May 21, 2011

2011-05-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ron Wetzel, Site Superintendent, Monarc Construction, along with Ron, Jr. and Kyle spent Saturday morning, May 21st, examining the foundation of the Dent School.

After digging down through the basement floor the team discovered that Dent was built upon a substantial layer of rock and cobblestone (visible on the right of the footing picture)covered with cement before the brick interior structural wall began. Ron judged the footing quite satisfactory. Pictures, measurements, and final calculations will be used by the engineers to determine the amount of additional steel needed to support the building. Most of the masonry for the chimneys will be removed to add additional classroom space.

Wetzel will be Monarc's Site Superintendent for the Day School's construction project.

Nieghborhood Forum - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 5:45 - 6:45 pm

2011-05-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

Capitol Hill Day School’s next regularly scheduled Neighborhood Forum is Wednesday, May 25th from 5:45 – 6:45 pm.

Members of the Board of Trustees and Jason Gray, Head of School, will discuss our plans to renovate the Dent School building beginning in June after this academic year concludes. Renovating Dent will replace our earlier plan to construct an addition to the School.

Representatives of Monarc Construction and our architectural firm will attend the meeting to answer any questions about the project that you may have.

Information about the renovation project has been posted on the School’s website as we have progressed through the design stages. Please click on the School’s website, www.chds.org, and on the right hand side in the “Learn About” section click on the Dent Building icon.

if you have any questions in advance of next Wednesday’s Forum contact Jim Woolwine, Business Manager (202) 386-9926 or via email (jimw@chds.org).

Board of Zoning Adjustment Hearing, Tuesday, May 17, 2011

2011-05-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

18208 Application of Capitol Hill Day School

Case # : 18208

Case Name : Application of Capitol Hill Day School

Case Summary : (Special Exceptions) Application of Capitol Hill Day School, pursuant to 11 DCMR §§ 3104.1, and 3103.2, for a variance from the parking requirements under section 2101.1, and a special exception to allow the temporary placement and use of modular classrooms from May, 2011 to March, 2012, for a private school under section 206, in the R-5-B District at premises 1000 5th Street, S.E. (Square 881-W, Lot 800).

ANC : 6D

Result : Approved.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Meeting May 12, 2011

2011-05-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) Zoning Committee met May 12, 2011 to review Capitol Hill Day School's application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for three variances to erect modular classrooms at 1000 5th Street SE for the School's temporary use while the Dent Building is undergoing renovation.

Jim Woolwine, Capitol Hill Day School Business Manager, and Jacques DePuy, Greenstein DeLorme & Luchs, P. C. described the renovations planned for the Dent Building, the modular units proposed for the swing space site, and parking arrangements. Mr. DePuy outlined the need for the three variances we will request.

The CHRS Zoning Committee voted to support the School's application for the variances.

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

2011-04-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

A major goal of this renovation is to significantly improve the heading, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) in the Dent building. This need is greatest on Level 3, the Rose Window area, for large receptions, and the classrooms and great space in Level 4, the loft. The latter is our oldest HVAC system.

An interesting facet of building renovation is archeological -- discovering the skeletal structure of what is already in place. The "existing" has to be mapped before the "new" can be designed. This discovery process is neither quick nor smooth in our wonderful old school building.

In this picture, Brian, our reliable technician from CSI Mechanical, Inc., the firm that maintains our heating and cooling system, discovered the duct work that brings in outside air to the blower units in the northwest classrooms (Music, 1st Grade, 4th Grade). The plenum box you see in the picture is located in the rear parking lot just above a Music room window.

Dent Renovations -- Interior Classroom Design

2011-04-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

One of the more difficult issues that we confront in the redesign of the Dent School into a contemporary learning environment is the classroom layout: custom cabinetry, shelving, storage, desks, chairs, etc. -- getting all that the faculty requires into space with many constraints. While the renovation project adds additional floor space to each classroom it changes the dynamic just enough that we have to devote a great deal of thought to how all the furniture and equipment will be placed in the new space as well as what can be recycled and what needs to be purchased or custom built.

Our architectural team lead by Robin McGrew, cox graae + spaak architects, www.cgsarchitects.com, have lead us to creative layout solutions for our classrooms. Kendall Grier and Barbara Keeling, Second Grade Teachers, review alternatives for locating the cubbies with Robin's guidance. In Kindergarten Jason Gray, Head of School, joins Robin as the co-teachers, Linda DeGraf and Venuta Carulli, site furniture and teaching material in their classroom which will be a significantly different shape following the renovation project.

Electrical Site Work Swing Space 1000 5th Street SE

2011-04-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Capitol Hill Day School has contracted with MC Dean, Inc., an electrical engineering firm based in Sterling, VA to complete the electrical installation for the modular units that the School plans to install at 1000 5th Street, SE.

Fortunately there is a PEPCO transformer on the site. MC Dean will work with PEPCO to activate the transformer, install a connector box and two panels on the modular units then connect the power from the transformer to the modular units.

At this stage of the planning process we expect each modular unit will have its own 8' copper ground.

This electrical work will be permitted through the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).

Inspecting the PEPCO transformer, from left to right, Kelly Young, Operations Manager, Capitol Hill Day School, Michael Keatley, Project Manager, MC Dean, and Christopher Regan, the Day School's Project Manager for the swing space installation.