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Construction on the new North Forest High School, located on the city’s northeast side, is now 50 percent complete and scheduled to be finished in the third quarter of 2017.
“The project has really gained momentum over the last quarter,” said HISD Senior Manager of Construction Services Meredith Smith, who is overseeing the project. “We’re right at the half-way point now, and there’s lots of activity on the site. We’re seeing progress every day.”
The new $59.5 million campus, which is being built on the east side of Mesa Road across from the existing school, will accommodate 1,500 students.
Currently in progress is the installation of the remaining exterior framing, as well as fireproofing, HVAC units and sheathing. Exterior masonry on the north side of the building is complete, with the remainder expected to wrap up in the next month. Crews will continue with roof installation later this month and expect power to be installed by January.
The 21st century high school will boast of abundant natural light coming in through plenty of windows that feature open views to the prairie in front of the building and the forest in back. The school also will contain a unique indoor running track – a first of its kind in HISD. Plans also call for flexible learning spaces, a modern dining commons, and Career and Technical Education spaces.
More information on the North Forest High School project
Funded through money provided by the state, the new North Forest High School is one of 35 projects across the district expected to be under construction by year’s end — a volume that is unprecedented in HISD history. Once the projects are complete, HISD will have one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.