Stay up-to-date on the construction process for the new park and community center at the Concord Property. Click or tap the button below to see footage of the construction site, or keep scrolling down for an archive of project updates and photos for the project. Check back often for updates!
November 20, 2024
Not all improvements are visible or will add to the curb appeal for the community center; however, the renovations that are currently underway will be beneficial to enhancing the quality and comfortability of the space.
A sneak peak into the attic shows the complicated work involved in boosting the structure of the roof to support the large equipment that will heat and cool the building.
October 15, 2024
The new entry to the community center is starting to take shape. A large hole has been cut into the brick façade and the contractor is working on forming the main entry footing. Once the structural supports are installed, the large temporary beams (shoring) will be removed, and the storefront windows and doors will be placed. A computer-generated image illustrates the new, welcoming main entrance. We can’t wait for the community to come through the front doors! The building renovations are expected to be completed by fall 2025.
In the computer-generated image, the building name “Concord Community Center” is a placeholder and is not the actual name of the community center. A public process to select a name for the park and community center will be undertaken soon.
September 17, 2024
Utility work is taking place around the building. Underground conduits have been installed and are being backfilled. The PGE transformer vault will be installed soon. This utility work directly supports the new HVAC system and upgraded electrical system for the Community Center.
A section of the new roof can be seen from the bird’s eye photo on the right. This photo is taken from behind the building, looking toward SE Concord Ave. The roof replacement is expected to be complete by the end of October.
August 20, 2024
The exterior of the Concord building is getting a mini facelift. A fresh coat of paint on the exterior doors and trim will do wonders for the community center’s curb appeal. Going beyond a simple color change, the new paint will provide protection and minimize the exposure to weather damage, insects, sun, dust, mold and mildew. Previously boarded up, the paned glass windows above the doors were a lovely discovery! The broken window panes were replaced, restoring some of the historic charm of the building.
July 30, 2024
Accessible ADA improvements are underway, as some construction efforts moved to the interior of the building this month. The contractor began working on shoring (or temporarily supporting) the building for the main entry construction. The room with the exposed brick wall is located above the new community center lobby. The casework and sheetrock were removed in this room to create access to the structural steel frame. A whole new entry will be cut into the brick façade to make way for an accessible entrance that connects with the new library accessible entrance and plaza.
In addition to a new accessible entrance and lobby, a new elevator is another major ADA improvement to the community center. Demolition work within the new elevator area footprint (photos with the stud wall) also began on the first and second floors. These ADA improvements will go a long way to making the community center an inclusive, safe and welcoming place for the community!
Site clearing involves demolition of the outdoor covered basketball court, so the excavators can begin the rough grading of the parking lot.
July 9, 2024
The Concord building roof replacement project is progressing and on schedule. For organizational purposes, the roof area was divided into four different sections. Areas A and B are on the NW side of the building, Area C is on the SW side along SE Concord Ave and Area D is the section of roof over the gym in the center of the building. Areas A and B are demolished, and the roofers are installing plywood, blocking, and weather protection. Area C demolition will begin the week of July 15, 2024.
June 18, 2024
Renovations to the community center have begun! The Concord building roof replacement has started in the NW wing of the former school building. Composition shingles were demolished and the area was covered for temporary weather protection until the new replacement shingles arrive (the color of the shingles is an exact match to what is being replaced).
JUNE 10, 2024
The contractor is clearing ground to easily install underground utilities that will service the community center, library, and community park. The stairs to the building will remain, however, a new, accessible entrance (off to the left of the stairs) will become the main entry in and out of the community center. This area will eventually have a new sidewalk, bike parking, landscaping, trees and lawn.
JANUARY 10, 2024
The construction crew began the process of excavating the site where the new park and library will be located, including moving soil and rocks from certain areas of the property. Grading of the site has also begun, including removing slopes and leveling ground surfaces.
The previous playground structure on the west side of the property, and grass field on the north side, have been removed to clear the site for further construction.
Groundbreaking Celebration
SEPTEMBER 16, 2023
Park-lovers, library-lovers and community members of all ages came together to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the new park and Oak Lodge Library. It marked the beginning of construction for these exciting projects, and for enhancements to the Concord school building, which is being preserved for public use as an NCPRD community center.