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Condit Elementary School on Saturday became the first school to break ground under HISD’s 2012 bond program, kicking off the construction phase of the school’s new 21st century campus.
Condit is in the first group of 17 schools transitioning from the design phase to the construction phase as part of the district’s $1.89 billion bond program to rebuild or renovate 40 schools.
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“I’m looking forward to seeing the change in the face of HISD schools in general – it feels good to lead those efforts,” said Condit Principal Dan Greenberg.
The new 88,000-square-foot school will feature a centralized learning commons area surrounded by a two-story cluster of classrooms grouped by grade level. The commons area is an open concept design with natural light, flexible seating, and bookshelves used to define quiet spaces.
“We realized very early on that Condit was going to be an exciting project,” said VLK architect Richard Hunt. “I appreciate the community of Bellaire for the hard work, to get the building you expect and that we know is going to be great.”
The new school will be built on the green space adjacent to the current building, which was the original site of The Bellaire School, built in 1914. In 1927, an addition to the school was built – part of which still exists today – and the school was renamed A.J. Condit Elementary in honor of a Bellaire Civic Leader.
Representatives from the Bellaire Historical Society presented a historical perspective about the school to mark the 100th anniversary since a school was first built on the site.
Attendees heard from the Condit student choir, City of Bellaire Mayor Phil Nauert, HISD Trustee Mike Lunceford, and Condit Principal Dan Greenberg.
“There is a special feel to Condit Elementary, and I think you feel it right when you walk in,” said Principal Greenberg. “This school is going to be unlike any other and that makes us very proud.”
The school, located at 7000 South Third in Bellaire, is being built on an adjacent park area while the students remain in the current building. When the new building is completed in the first quarter of 2016, the current building will be demolished and additional parking along with 60,000 square feet of green space will be installed.
“It’s a huge thing for both HISD and the City of Bellaire to be part of this huge building project,” said Condit parent and Project Advisory Team member Julia Tamm. “It is going to become a crown jewel in our community.”