Permitting process nearing completion for demolition of Colfax school in Springdale

The process aimed at demolishing Colfax Upper Elementary School in Springdale is continuing with permit applications to the state, architect Antone Canzian reported to the Allegheny Valley School Board.

Canzian said about 80% of the contract documents needed for the project have been completed. He intends to have the project — which includes asbestos abatement and demolition — ready to advertise for bids in a few weeks after receiving abatement specifications from AGX Inc., an environmental consulting firm in McCandless.

“Tentatively, if it works out, we can go with advertising in mid-July, have a bid opening in August and begin demolition in September,” Canzian said.

Colfax, which opened in 1925, closed in 2018. Its students moved to the renovated Acmetonia Elementary School in Harmar.

Since then, discussions on the Colfax property have spanned years.

Most recently, in November, the board approved an agreement with Canzian/Johnston & Associates, a New Kensington architectural firm, for the demolition of Colfax. In February, the school directors approved LSSE Engineers to survey Colfax for $3,200.

Superintendent Pat Graczyk said the district will invite Canzian to join more school board meetings and provide updates.

“That way, we can also push out the message about what’s going on and what we can anticipate and, if there are concerns, to share those concerns,” Graczyk said.