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Construction for high school on schedule

The steel is up at the site of the former Assumption School and diocese officials say the new home for Holyoke Catholic High School is coming along according to plan. Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs
By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE The snow hasn't delayed construction at the new Holyoke Catholic High and diocese officials say the steel frame of the structure was done on schedule.

School and diocese officials viewed the progress at the new home of Holyoke Catholic High School at the grounds of the former Assumption School on Springfield Street Jan. 16.

Chet Clark, the school finance administrator for the diocese, told Reminder Publications, the steel is completed and now the first and second floors of the new part of the school will be poured.

Clark noted the snow and cold didn't stop the construction workers from erecting the frame of the building.

"Those steel guys were great," he said.

Once the floors are poured, workers can then begin work on the walls. Clark said he anticipates the exterior brickwork to start March 1.

In the building that once housed the Assumption School, workers have "basically gutted" the building, Clark said.

The older structure is getting new electrical work, plumbing and heating, which he said is all between 70 and 80 percent completed at this date. The building is without sprinklers and that installation will begin shortly for the first floor, he added.

Drywall work has also been started to create new office space.

"It's moving right along," he said.

Sister Connie Roy, the school's principal, said that a donation of $10,000 to the school was announced last week as well. William Sullivan, Sr. of West Springfield, a former school board member, made the donation.

Sister Roy described him as a "wonderful supporter of [Holyoke] Catholic" whose children all attended the school.