Please use this page to stay informed on the work that has been completed and the work we anticipate moving forward. When an official decision has been made regarding plans for a project, we will post a project timeline here.
Work Completed To Date
February 15, 2019
Watch this 360-degree walkthrough of Fernway's second floor to see how much work has been done.
December 3, 2018
Abatement and interior building preparations at Fernway begin.
November 30, 2018
Fernway staff, the design team and the construction team held their first design meeting at the Shaker Heights Fire Station to discuss interior configuration of the building.
November 16, 2018
The District anticipates renovations at Fernway Elementary School to be fully completed by the spring of 2020. Gilbane Building Company estimates the project will be completed in 18 months—four months for design and 14 months for construction. This would mean that the building will be ready for students no later than August 2020. Construction schedules can vary based on unforeseen circumstance such as weather, changes in the scope of the project or additional code requirements.
November 14, 2018
The Board of Education approved spending $3 million plus the $14.5 million insurance settlement on the renovation project. A second phase of the project, paid for by potential fundraising and grant opportunities, could produce additional funds. Members of Fernway 's staff and faculty, along with several Fernway parents and community members, will meet again with Van Auken Akins Architects LLC and Gilbane Building Company to develop the specific project scope which includes a review of floor plan options and site improvements within that budget.
September 28, 2018
Twelve members of Fernway's staff and faculty, along with several parent and community members, met with Van Auken Akins Architects and Gilbane Construction on September 28, to review and provide input and feedback on potential site plan and floor plan options for the renovated Fernway Elementary School.
September 25, 2018
On Tuesday, September 25, 5-7 p.m., Board members will discuss the Shared Schools Plan, Fernway building repairs and insurance status
. The meeting will be held in the Shaker Heights High School Small Auditorium.
September 14, 2018
Twenty-seven stakeholders, including Fernway staff and faculty, parents and community members, and District administrators, met with Van Auken Akins Architects on September 14 to participate in a charrette focused on Fernway Elementary School. Review the agenda for the meeting.
September 6, 2018
A five-person panel evaluated the proposals of three highly respected construction firms for the Fernway project. The panel recommended and the superintendent endorsed the selection of Gilbane Building Company for the project.
August 12, 2018
Custodial crews at Boulevard, Onaway and Woodbury have begun delivering furniture to the temporary Fernway classrooms at those buildings. The temporary roof structure for Fernway has been approved by the City and materials for it have been ordered. Crews should begin work in the next week.
August 2, 2018
Architects expect to receive City permits to install a temporary roof by August 10. Pending weather, roof crews expect to clear the debris from the roof next week. Once cleared, crews will power wash the roof for inspection by the architect and engineer. After assessment of the concrete roofing deck, crews will begin construction of a temporary roof the following week.
July 25, 2018
A public adjuster and insurance counsel are added to the District staff to assist in the insurance claims process.
July 18, 2018
Building remediation operations expand to include the initial clean up debris in the classrooms and offices. To keep rainwater out of the building as best possible, workers stop and clean up water from the intermittent thunderstorms at various times of day and night. Round the clock security is maintained. The first community meeting is held on July 19. District staff continues analysis and site assessment of three options for a temporary school using a building, modular-classrooms or shared-school scenarios.
July 11, 2018
Representatives from our disaster recovery contractors have removed furniture and other valuables to the blacktop. String lights powered by generators have been installed to illuminate dark areas.
July 10, 2018
Fire breaks out approximately 11 a.m. and the building is safely evacuated. The Shaker Heights Fire Department responds and supervises 20 fire departments in the fire-fighting effort. The fire is extinguished and the building is cleared by the SHFD by late afternoon. District officials take an initial tour of the damage at approximately 4 p.m.. Disaster recovery crews arrive on scene and take initial steps to secure the building and begin remediation efforts.