New Uwchlan Hills Elementary on the way

80,000-square-foot structure expected to cost $27 million; work will likely begin in March

UWCHLAN >> Work to replace Uwchlan Hills Elementary School will likely start in March.

At an estimated cost of $27 million, an 80,000-square-foot steel structure, with a brick veneer and open classroom design, will replace the current 63,445-squarefoot school.

There are 25 classrooms in the current building, with the same number expected in the “new” school, according to Dale Lauver, director of facilities for the Downingtown Area School District.

The “old” school, at 50 Peck Road, houses 500 students with the new school expected, to house the same amount, with a total of 600 students, if needed.

Move in is expected during the summer of 2020, Lauver said. This is the oldest school in the district.

The current school will not be razed until students move into the new structure.

A site visit forcontractors will take place Jan. 28, with bids opened on Feb. 21.

It is anticipated that the school district will approve the project at its March 13 meeting. Bidders will be required to comply with all provisions of the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act and all provisions of the Pennsylvania Com-

monwealth Procurement Code for Prevention of Environmental Pollution.

The new school will go by the same name, Uwchlan Hills Elementary School.

PHOTO PROVIDED This is a sketch of the proposed new school.