During the Newport News City Council and School Board Work Session on September 23, 2025, significant updates were provided regarding the ongoing SEQR project, which includes the construction of Huntington Middle School and a new Recreation Center. The meeting highlighted the progress made since the contractor began work in June, despite initial delays due to permitting issues.

The middle school, which spans approximately 123,000 square feet, is currently prioritized in the construction schedule, with an anticipated completion date set for June 2026. The Recreation Center, slightly smaller at over 97,000 square feet, is expected to be completed by August 2026. Both facilities are being constructed under a single contract, allowing for simultaneous work by two separate teams, which has resulted in similar progress percentages for both projects—around 36-37% complete.

Key challenges discussed included the discovery of three buried storage tanks on the site of the new Recreation Center, which required removal and soil mitigation. Additionally, the project team is coordinating with Dominion Energy to ensure timely installation of necessary power infrastructure, including a transformer that has already been procured.

The construction team is actively engaging with school officials through bi-weekly progress meetings to ensure that all aspects of the project align with the school’s operational needs. This collaboration is crucial as the school aims to be ready for the upcoming academic year following the completion of the middle school.

The total projected costs for the projects are $77 million for the school and $67 million for the Recreation Center, with current change orders at 2.4% for the school and 1.5% for the Recreation Center. The meeting concluded without questions from either the school board or city council, indicating a shared confidence in the project's trajectory.

As construction progresses, the community can look forward to enhanced educational and recreational facilities that aim to serve the needs of Newport News residents for years to come.