Witnessing Progress Despite Adverse Weather Conditions

Construction crews at Gompers Junior High School, located at 1501 Copperfield Avenue, have been diligently working through frigid temperatures and snowfall. This week, prefabricated walls for the school’s new gymnasium were successfully installed, showcasing the resilience and expertise of the construction team. The superintendent on-site, Chuck Bernhardt from Nicholas and Associates, highlighted the precision required to erect these massive wall panels, which weigh between 31,000 and 66,000 pounds each. Constructed with concrete and foam, these panels were carefully hoisted by cranes and secured into place, ensuring structural integrity.

Bernhardt noted that while the cold weather posed some challenges, particularly with starting vehicles, it did not significantly impact the overall schedule. "The crane didn’t want to start yesterday," he recalled, "but we managed to get it going by mid-morning." Despite the initial hiccup, the team remained confident about completing the gymnasium on time for the upcoming school year. The construction of the 13,000-square-foot facility is crucial, as it will allow students to use the space before demolition begins on the current gym to make way for the main building.

Innovative Construction Techniques Overcome Obstacles

The innovative use of prefabricated wall panels has been instrumental in maintaining the project’s momentum. Each panel, made from a combination of concrete and insulating foam, was designed off-site and transported to the location. Once on-site, the panels were lifted by cranes and meticulously placed onto steel plates embedded in the foundation. The process, while complex, ensures a faster and more efficient construction timeline. Bernhardt explained, "These panels are erected all the time, but this particular project has its unique challenges due to limited space."

Despite the tight schedule and challenging conditions, the team remains optimistic about meeting the August deadline. The next phase involves installing bar joists and metal framing for the roof, followed by the construction of block walls around the concrete structure. The stairwells and elevator shafts, already completed, will eventually connect the gym to the main school building. Bernhardt emphasized, "It’s a hectic schedule, but the team never gives me the easy ones."

Parallel Progress at Hufford Junior High

Simultaneously, construction at Hufford Junior High, situated at 1125 North Larkin Avenue, is also progressing smoothly. According to District 86 Director for Communications and Development Sandy Zalewski, the project benefits from ample available land, making it slightly easier to manage. The stairwells and much of the main office area have been completed, including a beam signed by the future first graduating class—a symbolic gesture connecting past and future students.

Zalewski noted, "They had more room over there, so that project was a little easier." The additional space allowed for less intricate sequencing and more straightforward construction processes. While the Gompers project faces spatial constraints, both sites are expected to be ready for the 2026-27 school year. Bernhardt joked about the comparative ease of the Hufford project, saying, "I’m a little jealous; they didn’t have a gym in their way."

A Vision for Tomorrow’s Education

The completion of these new facilities represents a significant investment in Joliet’s educational infrastructure. Superintendent Theresa Rouse underscored the importance of these projects, stating, "It is so exciting to see the walls going up." The new schools aim to provide modern learning environments that foster academic excellence and student well-being. As the structures rise, they symbolize a commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the future.

The district’s vision extends beyond the physical buildings, encompassing state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced technology, and flexible spaces that accommodate diverse teaching methods. The new gymnasium at Gompers, once completed, will serve as a hub for physical education and community events, enhancing the overall educational experience. Similarly, Hufford’s expanded facilities will offer enhanced opportunities for extracurricular activities and collaborative learning.