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If you haven’t driven by the new Milby High School recently, the progress is hard to miss and it’s even visible from the 610 Loop.

Construction on the new 267,000-square-foot project along Broadway in Houston’s East End is about 65 percent complete and tracking on schedule for a projected summer 2017 opening. The school is a combination of new construction and renovation that preserves the historical front entrance while creating a modern learning environment for up to 2,000 students.

“We’ve hit a lot of big milestones in recent months,” said HISD’s Project Manager Mark Crippen. He noted work on both the north and south parking lots was completed, three chillers, a generator and CenterPoint transformers were installed, and roofing work is virtually done.

In addition, construction crews are busy completing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in work throughout the building interiors, while the interior drywall and masonry walls are also being installed.

Once complete, the campus will feature new administrative offices, an auditorium with a black box theater, a large commons area and outdoor courtyard.

In addition, three-story academic wings are being erected to the north and south of the main building. Each will include learning spaces for science and engineering labs, welding, and the culinary arts program, which will include a student-run café. Additionally, students will receive hands-on experience with a print shop in the career technical education (CTE) area.

The school also will also feature new performing and visual arts and athletic spaces, which will be located at the back of the campus.

Crippen said the subgrade preparation for the tennis courts slab is underway and crews are also currently working on the rough grading of the athletic fields.

The Project Advisory Team has been working closely with the project’s architect, Kirksey, on furniture selection, he said. In the coming weeks, crews will start painting the exterior of the school, which will give the building a more finished look.

“There is a lot of working going on in differing stages of completion,” Crippen said.  “We’re excited about the progress.”