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Construction of the new Yates High School is more than halfway complete, with crews already in the process of installing floors, painting walls, laying pavers, pouring sidewalks, and erecting permanent fencing.
A CenterPoint transformer and meter also has been set, meaning power soon will be connected to the building, allowing crews to begin testing mechanical systems inside the building.
The main entry facing north is nearly complete, with the main entry facing south and building signage soon to follow. The elevator also will soon be installed, and project officials plan to begin ordering new furniture in January.
“After walking the new campus this past Monday, I was excited and hopeful for the possibilities of instructional programming, the flow of students, and the capacity the campus invites,” Yates Principal Ken Davis said, noting that both he and his students and staff were proud of the new school.
“The new campus will house a hopeful community that has no boundaries for the future. The open spaces, updated technology, access to spacious classrooms, and an environment of support and encouragement will all be visible in the new space.”
Yates is among 40 projects, including 29 high schools, being renovated or rebuilt across the district as part of the voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. The new facility will accommodate 1,300 to 1,500 students and is expected to open in time for the start of the 2018-2019 school year.
Plans for the $65 million project call for a grand entryway with large windows connecting the front and back entrances and flexible learning spaces specifically built to showcase the communications and maritime magnet programs.
Additional features include a three-story academic wing with flexible core learning centers and a one-story, high-volume performance wing with an auditorium, fine arts and JROTC spaces, gymnasium, and athletics area.
The construction update was provided during the last Yates Project Advisory Team meeting, held at the end of November. The PAT will meet again in late February for their first tour of the fully enclosed building.
Active construction is underway at roughly two dozen schools throughout the district as part of the 2012 Bond Program. Almost half of all projects have been completed and opened to students. Once all projects are complete, HISD will boast of one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.
Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.