Leary School Job Site

This past year has seen the completion of one project and the start of a new one, both of which have proven to be different learning opportunities for the Jobsite students.

At the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year, the Jobsite program started a renovation project on Holyoke Drive. The picture on the left shows the house as it was before we started our work.

During the year long project, the staff and students totally gutted the inside of the house. We also redesigned the entry way to give more living space and a better flow to the rooms on the main floor. The front porch was replaced with a new roof that will better allow for water to drain. Pillars were added that are not only decorative but also help to support the porch.

Framing that had been damaged by water and termites was replaced and the lower level of the house was framed out to allow for insulation to be installed. The insulation will keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Both bathrooms were re-tiled and new fixtures were installed. The kitchen was redesigned and all new cabinets, flooring, and appliances were installed. Windows throughout the house were replaced and new carpeting and light fixtures were added.

To give the home more living space, a 14'x28' addition was added to the rear of the house, which will serve as a family room. This room has large glass windows and an atrium style door and a ceiling fan to help circulate air. Landscaping and resurfacing the driving, as well as minor repairs to an existing detached garage completed the work. An open house was held at the end of the school year for visitors to see the finished project.

This year was the beginning of a new project and many new students. Eight students finished their schooling in June 2002 so this new group of Jobsite students will have the opportunity to see a house through from start to finish.

The house we are working on now is similar to the house we completed two years ago - a two story, four bedroom, 2 ½ bath home with a full basement. The main floor will have a great room, a dining room, kitchen, laundry room, half bath, and mud room. The second story has a master suite, three additional bedrooms, and two full baths. In addition, the basement will be roughed-in for a full bath and there will be a front porch on both the first and second levels. The staff and students are working hard and hope to have the roofing and siding done by the end of this school year so that next year's work will focus on the inside. Anticipated completion date for this house is June 2004.

We post pictures on the Jobsite page of the Leary School website - www.learyschool.org - monthly so that visitors to the site can watch the house being built.

Alan Peck, M.S.
Vocational Coordinator