Silver Spring International Middle School students won’t be entering their new gym until the spring, after an extension to the completion date due to “construction challenges” was approved Tuesday by the county school board.
The Montgomery County Planning Board approved the gym project at the school at 313 Wayne Ave. in September 2022, which included demolishing an abandoned auditorium that’s not connected to the school and constructing an indoor gymnasium and locker room that is connected to the building.
The school board approved a change order to extend the contractual completion date of the project at no cost without discussion as part of its consent agenda. The gym occupancy will now happen during spring break, instead of winter break.
According to school board meeting documents, construction of the addition has faced several challenges, including unforeseen “existing condition conflicts” with foundations and roofing systems that delayed the demolition of the auditorium. The demolition delay impacted the overall construction schedule, the documents said.
The district is also facing supply chain issues for major equipment components and dealing with the impacts of construction work on the Purple Line, according to the documents. Construction crews are installing track along Wayne Avenue in front of the school as part of the 16-mile light-rail line that will run from Bethesda to New Carrollton. The Purple Line is expected to be completed in 2027.
The challenges are affecting the anticipated construction completion date of the project.
Although some of the impacts were outlined in the district’s spring 2024 Capital Improvement Program presentation, the Office of Facilities Management recommended delaying opening the gym to students after “careful analysis.” According to the document, staff in the Office of Facilities Management met with the principal of the school as well as community members to discuss the project.
“This delay would allow for a smooth and safe transition for students and staff to the new areas of the building,” the documents said.