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Schenley renovation costs estimated to be more than $50 million
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The latest estimates on renovating the former Pittsburgh Schenley High School are in.
Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Linda Lane today released the estimates made by two firms: HHSDR put the cost at nearly $53.2 million. Astorino estimated $59.4 million.
"We understand why the alumni of Schenley High School have such a great passion for the school," said Ms. Lane in a news release. "While we too love the beautiful Schenley facility and wish we could afford the renovations necessary to maintain the landmark building, we must balance the need to resolve a very concerning financial future in the context of our need to accelerate the academic achievement of all students. We must make decisions that consider the needs of the entire district."
The estimates were sought after the school board last month decided to find out what the latest cost would be to renovate the historic school built in 1927.
Some Schenley supporters have maintained the cost of renovating the building has been overstated. One of the controversial issues in the building was asbestos. The bids put the cost of "hazardous material abatement" at $2.8 million and nearly $2.5 million.
School board member Regina Holley, who made the motion for additional cost studies, said today, "I'm going to work with some people, and we're going to go over those line item by line item. I'm not ready to say what we're going to say about it at this point."
The district already has received four bids to buy the building, and a review panel has recommended a bid by PMC/Schenley HSB Associates for $5.2 million. The board may vote on the bids Feb. 27 although it retained the right to reject any and all bids.
PMC is scheduled to publicly present its plans at board headquarters at 6 p.m. Monday.
First Published February 15, 2013 3:03 pm
