Construction Updates
Where we are at in the construction.
(Left to right) Ronen Perry, Doug Newell, Eric Green, Doug Palmer.
Oct. 17. 2017
School has started and the construction of the brand new school has begun. Set to be finished in the fall of 2019, the new school promises to offer a plethora of services, opportunities, and changes. While the floor plan is designed by Integris, this brand new campus is being constructed above Huey Field by the contracting company Skanska.
The current state of the construction is still in its site working and foundation building phase. Doug Newell, the overseer of the capital projects and construction, said that a short-term challenge would be working in harsh weather. Because of this efforts to pour the concrete before the rain arrives are being made.
According to Ms. Thiel the other challenge, “… is the timing. Realizing the construction by the dates we need the Middle School and the High School open.” At this time these appear to be the only challenges standing in the way of the construction’s progress.
View of the construction from the track.
The campus size will be quite large. While being approximately 313,000 square feet in size, the building will cover the distance between the south side of Huey Field up to the north end of the campus. The campus will be shared between both the Middle School and High School students but will be separated based on grade level. A few exceptions can be made. Buildings such as the CTE building and the Cafeteria will be shared but the services will be different based on the grade level of the students.
Another issue, which is quite evident today, is the traffic system.
“Bus loading and parent pick up will be separated. There will be a drop-off/pick up loop that is dedicated to the Middle School and High School that is separate from any bus traffic. This will help diminish congestion.”
The project will aim to ensure that traffic can flow smoothly so that students may get to and from school with ease.
Other changes include the addition of better views of Dyes Inlet and Mount Rainier. The three stories will be put to use giving students and teachers picturesque scenes to look at. A variety of enhanced classrooms such as newer green rooms and costume design will be available.
