Rising costs for Maine West gym expansion project

As work on a gym expansion project continues at Maine West High School, the school board this week approved change orders totaling $447,368 to cover unexpected costs.

Some of those costs include removing lead paint from steel roof support joists and adding underground stormwater detention. District officials say they anticipate additional change orders before the project is complete.

The gym addition will include a new wrestling room, dance studio, fitness center and athletic offices.

There's been a total of $463,835 in change orders to date on the $9.8 million project, which began this summer and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.