Renovations underway at Bowie High School Annex on Belair Drive

By Mike Rauck

Work crews recently began the first phase of a multi-million-dollar partial renovation of the Bowie High School Annex on Belair Drive.  Hess Construction was awarded a $15.8 million contract for the initial work.

The first phase of renovations includes the following improvements, according to Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS):

1. Replacement of entire suspended ceiling system;

2. Replacement of the 1989 roofing system & update to the failing drainage system;

3. A new sprinkler system throughout the 1963 facility (includes service upgrade to the water main);

4. Replacement of all classroom unit ventilators and related piping;

5. Replacement of the entire steam system to a four-pipe hydronic system (includes two new chillers for full air conditioning capacity);

6. Educational enhancements/renovation to science classrooms 121, 122 & 123; computer lab 116; family & consumer room 114; and 9 standard classrooms along with corridors, restrooms and storage spaces;

7. Abatement & replacement of all asbestos-containing floor tiles throughout the school;

8. Painting throughout the school;

9. Repair of structural earthquake-related damage; and

10. Purchase & installation of six portable classrooms to remain after construction completion (option chosen to avoid moving the school to another location during construction).

A total of $23.4 million has been approved for the project, although school officials indicated that there are other costs for the renovation above and beyond the Hess Construction award.

Additional improvements have been identified for Phase 2 of the project, but PGCPS is waiting to announce those details until it’s clear how much money will be available after the completion of Phase 1.