First Concrete Slab Gets Ready for Structural Steel in December
Juan, a carpenter who works for the general contractor Skanska USA, said he also helped build our new Highline High School, which opened in September 2021. He likes telling friends and family about projects he helped construct, “I helped build that!”
A new Pacific Middle School starts rising above ground in December. But extensive work is happening below ground and at the surface to prepare for the new learning facility that will open in September 2027. The project is on schedule and within budget.
In November, construction crews poured foundation footings and the first concrete slab — where the first structural steel columns will be erected with a tall crane next month.
Meanwhile, below the surface on the west end of the site, crews are drilling 146 geothermal wells approximately 350 feet deep.
Excavation this month includes a manifold area next to the building, where the geothermal piping will come together and connect to a ground-source heat pump and HVAC system for energy-efficient heating and cooling.
The heat pump pulls heat from the loop in the winter and sends heat back into the ground in the summer.
A synthetic turf soccer practice field will be constructed above the geothermal wells. At Tyee High School, a similar system connects to geothermal wells below the new track and field.
Concrete curbs for the new bus loop are being poured on the northeast corner of the site, and water utility line stubs have been installed on the north side of the site.
See previous Pacific Middle School project updates and information.
More Photos
Construction team laying down electrical utility conduits.
Crew members prepare the concrete foundations and base plates to get ready for the structural steel installation to begin in December.
Looking east from the higher west end of the site, across the temporary holding pond, to the building area.
Cole, a member of the Vanir Construction Management team, stands in front of a vapor barrier being placed on top of pea gravel, to prep for another concrete slab pour.
A large tree near the corner of the site is being saved, along with some of the giant rocks that were near the entrance to the school.