[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000b97KfNH.xNw” g_name=”09182018-Barbara-Jordan-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” ]

With construction nearly 90 percent complete, the new Barbara Jordan Career Center will officially open its doors to students when they return from winter break on Jan. 7.

Crews are in the final stretch of carpet and floor tile installation. Plumbing and electrical teams are about 75 percent done with their work, and phone and gas lines have been connected to the building.

The final stage of the project — furniture delivery and installation — is underway, and final City of Houston inspections will take place this month.

“We are really eager to get into the new building,” Principal Ross McAlpine said. “The transition to the Barbara Jordan Career Center will open up opportunities for many more students, allowing them to receive training using state-of-the-art equipment and technology that will prepare them to excel in their career.”

The $36.6 million, 120,000-square-foot building, which accommodates 600 to 800 students, features a mix of spaces for a variety of programs. One side of the school will house large labs for construction, welding and other louder programs. The other side will feature quieter programs such as cosmetology and early childhood development.
At the center of the school is a commons area with a large learning staircase, which will provide a place for students to gather for studying, impromptu lectures, or career exploration programs. The second level has a human sciences wing that will host programs such as allied health and medical biotech. Math classrooms and the video production lab are also located on the second floor.
Once students and staff are moved into the new building, crews will begin demolishing the old building to make way for parking and green space.

Jordan High School is among 40 schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program. More than 80 percent of all HISD construction projects will be complete by the end of the year. Once all projects are done, 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.