Lamar HS construction reaches 80 percent completion

In 2017, Lamar High School celebrated its 80th anniversary with a groundbreaking ceremony. Now the school’s construction has reached nearly 80 percent completion, with doors of the school’s new academic building opening to students for the 2019-2020 school year.

Both painting and flooring in the gymnasium is underway along with the installation of first- and second-floor ceilings, culinary and dining equipment, and joining the new building addition’s HVAC to the existing facility.   

Phased renovations to the existing facility are also in progress and an enclosed second-story skybridge connecting the two buildings is set for completion in August. 

“We are thrilled to see the progress made on our new school and can’t wait to move in the coming weeks and get settled,” Lamar Principal Rita Graves said. “There are so many features in the design of our new campus that enhance the opportunities provided for our students.” 

Part of the 2012 Bond Program, Lamar’s $122 million project features a state-of-the-art facility that includes the preservation of the original building’s architecture. 

The new four-story academic wing is being constructed on the east side of the campus, perpendicular to the existing building. It will feature four large, flexible academic areas to facilitate the school’s interdisciplinary and project-based approach to educating students. Each area will be divided into self-contained “neighborhoods” that house 200 or fewer students. 

The academic wing will also feature a large covered transit center for bus and parent drop-off, a black box theater and band-instruction area, and a large banquet and food preparation space for the school’s culinary arts program. 

The existing main building, with its well-known art deco facade facing Westheimer Road, will continue to serve as the main entrance to the school. It will house the existing auditorium, an alumni center, new performing arts studios, and large suites for the engineering and business programs. 

Additional site work, including demolition of some existing structures and installation of athletic fields, will follow in the final phase. 

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