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Community members gathered in the Bellaire High School auditorium to witness the unveiling of the new school building’s design.

Bellaire’s $132 million project is a part of the 2012 Bond Program. The new building will feature a new three-story academic wing – containing classroom and administrative spaces – along with multiple flexible learning areas for group collaboration, library with makerspace, two gymnasiums, and an exterior courtyard.

“I think the renderings are amazing,” Bellaire Principal Michael McDonough said. “When you see the shared spaces, you think community, and when the students are together as a community, it invigorates school pride.”

Additional features of the building include a new fine arts wing that will contain a 900-seat auditorium and black box theater, along with band, guitar, dance, and choir rooms. The design also includes a large dining commons area and a natatorium with an eight-lane swimming pool.

The multi-phased project is currently in the beginning stages, with abatement and demolition of the Career, Technology, Education building, and installation of the underground detention system to assist with storm water runoff, a temporary parking lot and academic buildings underway.

The second phase of the project will include the demolition of the existing building and construction of the administration areas, dining and learning commons, exterior courtyard, and a four-story parking garage. The final phase will include the completion of the athletic fields. Students will remain on campus for the duration of the work with little to no class disruption.

The project is slated for completion during the fourth quarter of 2022 with the building to be occupied with students by Summer 2021.

Bellaire is among 40 schools, including 29 high schools, being rebuilt or renovated as part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond program. More than 70 percent of all school construction projects are now complete, and that number is expected to top 80 percent by the end of 2018.

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