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Construction on Pilgrim Academy’s new building addition is nearing completion with work on the project scheduled to wrap up at the end of April.

Interior ductwork and sprinkler system piping have been installed, as have the ceiling grid and insulation. Installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are underway and exterior brickwork is ongoing. Most internal drywall also is in place, while painting and interior finishes will be the focus in the coming weeks.

“It will be wonderful to have the extra space for our middle school students,” Pilgrim Academy Principal Diana Castillo said. “We can’t wait to move in.”

The $8 million expansion and building renovation to the kindergarten through eighth grade school are part of HISD’s 2012 Bond Program. The new addition is designed to house the middle school program, which has largely been contained in temporary buildings.

The new space will feature a science lab, gymnasium, flexible learning areas, teacher work spaces, and additional classrooms. With the ability to be closed off from the rest of the school, the new multi-purpose space can easily accommodate after hours community meetings and public events.

Bond work previously completed at the school includes renovation of the music classroom and storage area, along with a new canopy cover for an existing walkway. A new parking lot also was finished in time for the start of the 2017-2018 school year.

Pilgrim Academy is among 40 schools, including 29 high schools, being rebuilt or renovated as part of HISD’s voter-approved bond program. Construction is currently underway on about two dozen campuses, and half of all bond schools are now complete and open to students. Once all work is finished, the district will boast of one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.

Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest construction updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.