YWCPA construction surpasses midway point

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When Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy students returned for the 2017-2018 school year, they came back to a new building addition complete with gym, locker rooms, and science and career technology labs.

The work is part of a $31.1 million project, which calls for general renovations to the campus, as well as a partial replacement of the building. Once complete, the school — part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program — will accommodate between 900 and 1,000 students.

“The renovations and new addition are wonderful,” said Interim Principal Tiffany Bob, who also serves as high school dean. “I can’t wait until the other phases are done. I’m looking forward to the final product.”

Renovations to the administrative offices, main entrance, cafeteria, and kitchen also have been completed, as have the student and bus drop-off areas, covered walkways, and a faculty parking lot, project officials said. Demolition is now underway on second-floor classrooms.

Erected in 1925, the original, three-story, stately brick building is a historic presence in Houston’s Third Ward and is among HISD’s oldest school buildings. Project plans call for the preservation of historically significant building features, while also increasing learning spaces and adding modern science and technology labs.

The first floor will include administrative offices, classrooms, and performing arts areas, including a dance studio, band hall, and choir room. The second and third floors will house additional classroom spaces.

Construction is slated for completion during the third quarter of 2018.

YWCPA is one of 40 schools, including 29 high schools, across the district being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Project. Construction is underway at more than two dozen campuses, and almost half of all projects are complete and open to students. Once all work is finished, HISD will boast of one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.