[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000loIpC86CbKw” g_name=”20180123-Washington-HS” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]
Washington High School students and staff are edging closer to moving into their new building with the construction project now 85 percent complete.
Tile flooring and doors have been installed, as have cabinetry, countertops, and fume hoods in the career and technology classrooms, science and agricultural labs, and computer-aided design spaces. Crews are installing bathroom fixtures and sinks in the science and engineering labs where painting and floor staining also are underway.
In addition, crews are nearly done painting the auditorium and administrative offices and wrapping up installation of the school’s elevator.
“It’s great to see the building taking shape,” Washington Principal Carlos Phillips II said, noting that faculty and students are excited about the project. “We are eagerly anticipating the move into the new school.”
The $56.5 million project is part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. It includes plans to showcase the school’s engineering magnet program through the use of 21st century technology, specialized engineering and science labs, and flexible learning spaces that support project-based learning and encourage collaboration.
The building also will feature an auditorium that expands into the cafeteria via a retractable wall with retractable seating to accommodate larger audiences. Other features include a three-court gymnasium, daycare center, drama, choir, and band rooms, and exterior courtyards where science labs can conduct additional experiments.
Furniture and equipment will be moved in this spring with doors formally opening to students for the start of the 2018-2019 school year. Demolition of the old building is set to begin this summer, making way for a baseball and softball field and additional parking.
Washington is among 40 schools, including 29 high schools, being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program. Half of all projects are now finished 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.
Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.