Emergency Steam Pipe Replacement at CPS Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy

OWNER: City of Chicago / Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

LOCATION: Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, 2850 W 24th Blvd, Chicago, IL 60623

CONSTRUCTION START: December 2024

In early December, Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy experienced a critical steam leak in the underground tunnel connecting its buildings. This tunnel, located beneath a sidewalk, housed the school's steam piping system.

Autumn Construction’s first priority was to assess the damaged steam pipe and determine whether repairs were possible or if a full replacement was necessary. Upon inspection, it was concluded that the entire steam pipe system in the tunnel required replacement.

To ensure the school remained operational, Autumn’s team quickly mobilized to install a temporary steam supply line above ground. Within five days, our pipefitters fabricated and installed a 10-inch temporary steam line along the sidewalk, successfully maintaining heating for the school.

With the temporary system in place, work began to replace the steam pipe in the underground tunnel. The process included:

• Abatement & Demolition: Removing existing steam piping and debris from the tunnel.

• New System Design & Installation: Under the leadership of Foreman Dan Gracia, a detailed plan for the new 12-inch steam piping and hanger system was developed and executed by our skilled pipefitters.

Thanks to expert planning and teamwork, Autumn Construction successfully installed the new steam piping while keeping the school fully operational throughout the project.

The final phase of the project involves removing the temporary steam line and making the final connections to the new piping system. This will be completed as soon as weather conditions allow for a boiler shutdown.

Autumn Construction is proud to have provided a swift and efficient solution, ensuring the school had uninterrupted heating while delivering a high-quality permanent repair.