Summer construction at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South will be completed in time for District 86’s first day of school on Aug. 22, save for a couple of minor items that might have to be completed during the first weekend of the school year, a representative of the district's contractor said Monday night.

“It doesn’t look too great … from outside,” Doug Lim of Gilbane, Inc., said of the construction projects. “But I assure you, come [next] Wednesday, school’s going to be open and everything’s going to be pretty much done.”

The concrete curbs, sidewalks, and asphalt paving of the two schools' driveways are the most noticeable things that still need to be completed by Gilbane and its subcontractors, Lim said. Gilbane expects the driveways to be finished by the end of this week.

At Hinsdale Central, the exterior stairs and concrete walls also need to be finished, precast stone needs to be installed at the school’s entrances, the finishing touches need to be put on new science-lab interiors, updated bathrooms, and the main entrance, and mechanical equipment and balance systems must be turned on and tested.

Remaining on Hinsdale South’s checklist are the roof and blocking of the school’s new exterior canopy, installation of precast stone at the west entrance, the completion of the main entrance’s interior, and the completion of the mechanical work for the pool. Equipment and balance systems at Hinsdale South also need to be turned on and tested.

Lim said the only things that might not be completed in time for the first day of school are some precast paneling around the schools’ driveways and new bleachers in the gyms. He said those tasks, if not done in time, would be completed during off-hours.

“If there’s going to be any work done, it’s going to be over the weekend or after-hours, when kids are not in school,” Lim said.

The potentially unfinished tasks are aesthetic in nature, Lim said.

“There is no bearing on the education side … or the safety side.”

The air-conditioning systems at both schools have been completed, and new unit vents are in the classrooms. 

Superintendent Nick Wahl commended Gilbane and their team of subcontractors.

“I really appreciate your team … and all the work done in a very timely fashion,” Wahl said.

Board members will walk around both campuses at upcoming board meetings and be shown all of the work done.