Yates High School faculty, parents and community members got a chance to meet the architects that will design the new Yates campus under the $1.89 billion 2012 bond program.
More than 20 people turned out Thursday evening at the school’s auditorium, where attendees learned more about the planning and design phase of their campus and reviewed previous work from the Moody-Nolan firm, the nation’s largest African-American owned and operated architecture firm.
“We bring a unique set of talents, not just because of our heritage, but because of our commitment,” Moody-Nolan CEO and President Curtis Moody told the audience.
Located in Houston’s third ward, Yates was built in 1958 and enrolls more than 960 students. The new school will accommodate up to 1,500 students.
Moody told the crowd the firm plans on designing a first-class facility that includes 21st century features. “We plan on giving you a school that is unique and that serves your community’s ultimate purpose,” he said.
Community member Dr. Angelia Young-Jones said she wants to see those 21st century features incorporate state-of-the-art technology that will prepare students for college.
“Without an understanding of technology and the ability to manipulate and maneuver technology, students are handicapped,” Young-Jones said. “It is critical that our students have that exposure.”
Young-Jones, the grandmother of a Yates freshman, said she was impressed with architects’ previous designs and that she liked the plan to include flexible spacing and multipurpose rooms on the new campus.
“I like the idea that Yates could once again become the center of community life,” says Young-Jones.
Other Moody-Nolan designs include the recreational and physical activity center at Ohio State University, the Richard T. Farmer School of Business at Miami University and Cincinnati Fire Station #51.
Yates is among the second group of schools that will begin the design and engineering phase in early 2014. Construction should be underway sometime in 2015. The district has pledged to finish all 2012 bond project work by 2020.