Pre-K Project Continues to Take Shape at Martin Middle School

Work on East Providence’s new Pre-K space is moving into its final stretch, and the view from the site this month is starting to look a lot like a school.

The most visible progress is outside. Crews from Yard Works have been laying out the design on the playground’s rubber surface and prepping the surrounding areas for installation. The bright blue and orange shapes now visible from the street are the first real glimpse of what children will see on their first day. Nearby, Catalano Construction continued earthwork for the Pre-K parking lot and sidewalks, and landscapers spread loam along the east hillside.

Inside, the building is being finished room by room. Flooring crews prepped and installed classroom floors on the second floor. Ceiling grid went up in classrooms and hallways, with lighting and ceiling devices following behind. Wall tile is going in along the first-floor hallway, fiber cement panels are being installed on the west elevation, and elevator installation began this week. Painters primed and painted the interior playground, and plumbers installed the exterior hose bib that will serve the play area.

Security and systems work is underway as well, with exterior cameras and interior devices being installed across the first and second floors, and mechanical crews tying in the heating and ventilation equipment.

Last week, a group of State and local leaders, including Senate President Valerie Lawson, Secretary of State Gregg Amore, House Majority Leader Katherine Kazarian, State Representative Jenni Furtado, Mayor Roberto DaSilva, State Senator Robert Britto, and State Representative Matthew Dawson toured the facilty and got a first hand look at the progress. They were joined by representatives from Shawmut Builders, Peregrine Group which serves as owner’s project manager, and Ai3 Architects.