WESTFIELD – Westfield Technical Academy juniors and seniors in Construction Technology are building a new two-family home at 8 Lewis St. Construction began in November 2020.

Construction Tech teacher Matt Gomes said the condex, which are side by side condominiums, was designed by the school. “It’s going well,” Gomes said.

A crew of seniors was working on the job site on March 25, including Vitaliy Okhrimenko, Matthew Thayer, Aubrey Bryant, Ben Yvon and Cameron Hiltbrand. When asked whether the winter weather had slowed them down, one student said they spent a lot of time shoveling.

Gomes said the project was on hiatus before and after Christmas due to a COVID–19 shutdown at the school, and they are a little behind schedule. “We’ll have it framed by the end of the year,” he said.

 “They’re doing fantastic,” said Construction Technology teacher Brian Roy. “A considerable amount of this is advance framing, incorporating engineered materials for weight and compression.”

Roy said the students are working with custom pieces in the side-by-side duplex, with intricate framing on both sides and a fire rated wall in between. He said they were “deep into residential construction” on this job.

“Houses like this are a great opportunity for these kids, a great opportunity to learn,” Roy said, adding, “There is a need for good carpenters.”

WTA Principal Joseph Langone also stopped by the work site on Thursday and said he was proud of the students and project.. 

“Let’s be honest, the fact that we are able to accommodate a project of this scale with COVID and all the precipitous changes in the economy is no mean feat. None of this could happen without great students, great educators and a powerful community relationship. We’re thrilled to be able to do it,” he said, adding, “This particular project is something we hope to become a regular occurrence.”