Tacoma-based Rushforth Construction set up camp at Charles Wright this week.  The firm built CWA’s Lower School and now they’re starting work on the new Language and Performing Arts Center.  Work is well underway as crews prepare for demolition of the West Wing on June 27.  The most notable changes on campus so far are the disappearance of the old drama shack, installation of the construction office trailer, and arrival of a giant dumpster and a tall fence encircling the site.

Charles Wright staff removed the portable that housed the drama department two weeks ago.  They’re now stripping the West Wing of everything that can be salvaged.  The old study hall-turned music room and theater will be saved from the wrecking ball.  So will three offices.  In total, four classrooms and three small faculty offices will be demolished.

A lot of work is going on behind the scenes too.  Construction crews were delighted to find that the “as-built” plans for the Upper School are actually true to the location and dimensions of the building.  They tell us that’s often not the case.  They’ve also located the sewer line that was laid to the site many years ago in anticipation of this building.  It’s never been used but it still fits with the plans for the new Language and Performing Arts Center.

We’ll be posting pictures on this blog over the next 15 months so you can watch our progress.  Here’s what it looks like this week at Charles Wright.