Branch & Associates of Roanoke will build the new $19.5 million Powhatan elementary school, and they are ready to put a rush on it.

“We’re used to it,” said Branch’s project manager Greg Polcha about building schools speedier than usual. “This is called a fast-track project because they are requesting it be done faster than the normal – 18 to 20 months. They want it done in 13 months.” Branch’s completion date is at the end of next July, and the school division hopes to open the facility for September 2008.

“We’re working out schedules now with our subcontractors,” Polcha said. Branch, as the general contractor, will utilize a dozen or so main subcontractors and 15 specialty ones. Many of the subs are from the local area, such as Colonial Heights, Richmond, Ashland, Rockville and Highland Springs. “We use a lot of subs from the local area because it’s easier to keep the job staffed.”

Polcha also said the subcontractors won’t be idle. “One thing Branch is known for is using the batch method. We may have one section of the building ‘under roof’ and ready, while another section is still at the foundation stage. That way, your subcontractors are always working, and they never have to wait for something to be completed.”

Even with early scheduling and using the batching method, Polcha said there are “always concerns about weather.” Plus, a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to disturb a stream is needed before site work for the parking lot and ball field may begin. Right now, Branch is obtaining various other permits and some site work has started. The school will be located near Powhatan High School off Judes Ferry Road and Anderson Highway.

It will be a two-story building in most places, especially all the classroom space, while the gym and cafeteria will be one floor. “They will have a movable partition between the gym and cafeteria so it can be opened for a larger area. That’s a nice feature,” Polcha said.

A ball field and center courtyard are other features of the new school.

Some of Branch’s other construction projects in nearby counties include an addition and renovation at Highland Springs High School in Henrico, a combined middle and high school in Nelson, the Harrison Road Elementary School in Spotsylvania and Ladysmith Elementary in Caroline.