Community members got a sneak peek of the new and improved elementary building.

Representatives from University Mechanical Contractors led a tour of the Nellie S. Milton Building, which is in the midst of a major overhaul. University Mechanical, a Seattle-based energy performance contracting business, has been serving as project manager.

Improvements include a single unit HVAC system, motion control heat and lighting, and replacing the galvanized plumbing with copper pipes. The changes are estimated to save the school $13,000 a year in energy bills.

The work will be completed by Sept. 1. At this stage, air and water handling systems have been removed and are in the process of being replaced.

Justin Paulsen, owner of Orcas construction firm Terra Firma Northwest, is also participating in the project. He called the rusty pipes that have been removed “a cure for anemia.”

The work is part of a state energy grant awarded to the school district to upgrade and improve the air and water handling systems in the building. Funding has been provided by the grant and a loan from Cashmere Bank and local donors.

“A maintenance crew will be able to clean these ducts now, should they need to be cleaned,” said Cathy Ferran, administrative assistant to the superintendent. “Even with filters, it can be needed years down the road. Now it’s possible because it’s hard metal. And they rerouted the copper pipes so it’s easier for maintenance to access.”