Forrest addition
is almost done

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

The School District of Philadelphia has spread some good news to parents at Edwin Forrest School.
The Mayfair school’s Primary Education Center project, which started after a nine-month delay in February, looks like it’s going to wrap up ahead of schedule, according to project manager Jack Gohde.
"As you can see, the new school is being built very quickly with minimal problems," he said.
Forrest, located at Cottage and Bleigh streets, needs the extra space to alleviate overcrowding. The project, being built along Walker Street, includes construction of a 24,000-square-foot center to house kindergarten, first- and second-grade students so that the main building can add grades six, seven and eight.
STV Construction is the contractor in charge of the building, which is modeled after the brightly colored schoolhouse prototype used at other schools in the district. It includes 13 classrooms, offices and a multipurpose room for use as a cafeteria and an auditorium. Outside, 17 parking spots, renovated basketball courts and a playground, landscaping, lighting and fencing improvements will be added.
Gohde said that the project team has received only one complaint since construction started. But Aldine Street resident Harry Mulholland gave him a few more, including construction starting before the designated 7 a.m. time, dust on his car, and the stench from the port-a-potties, which are located outside the fenced construction area.
"I always feel that you people don’t even know that we (residents) exist," Mulholland said.
Gohde explained that the crew was permitted to start working earlier during the summer because of the extreme afternoon heat. The dry weather, in addition to project-related work performed by the Philadelphia Water Department, contributed to the dust problem.
Construction manager John Sullivan said he understood Mulholland’s issues but that the real concern throughout the project was making sure that the children were kept safe.
"There have been no incidents with the children," he said.
Residents with concerns throughout the remainder of the project are asked to call the school district hot line at 215-400-8807. ••
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com