Construction on schedule for two Somerset Drive projects

Dry weather has helped crews building the Benton House on Somerset Drive complete work on schedule.

This morning’s rain is obviously a huge relief to the various flora and fauna that have been struggling through this summer’s extensive drought.

But the hot, dry conditions have had one benefit locally: They’ve allowed progress on a number of area construction projects to move forward on scheduled.

Without rain delays, which can push back construction timetables, projects at Corinth Square, the former Somerset School site and Highlawn Montessori School are all on schedule.

“Actually, the dry, warm weather earlier in the year allowed us to get our grading, slab, framing and roofing completed ahead of schedule,” said Brenner Holland of Hunt Midwest, which is developing the Benton House senior living facility at Somerset Drive and Belinder Avenue. ”The extreme hot weather naturally slows down some trades like roofing and concrete work but at this time it does not look like it will significantly impact our construction schedule.”

Holland said the company anticipates having the majority of construction on the project wrapped up by the end of November this year. He expects the facility to have a certificate of occupancy and a fully trained staff by the end of 2012 or very early in 2013, which will allow new residents to move in.

Just a half mile to the southwest, progress is also steady on the renovations to Highlawn, which is adding an upper level to house expanded elementary school offerings.

School Director Kathy Morrison said renovations to the building’s lower level will be ready for the start of classes Aug. 20. She said contractors project the upper level of the building will be ready in mid-September.

Highlawn Montessori is adding an upper floor to house elementary students.