Milby High School will host a grand opening on Thursday at 5 p.m. to celebrate the completion of its new facility, which was rebuilt as part of the Houston Independent School District’s 2012 Bond Program.
The three-story, $79 million project is a combination of new construction and renovation that preserves the historical front facade while creating a modern learning environment for 2,000 students.
The historic, front-facing main building has been transformed into a bright, open student-union-style space with a dining commons, learning commons, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a large courtyard.
Flanking the main building are new academic wings that feature learning spaces for science and engineering labs, welding, cosmetology, printing, and culinary arts. Other features include new administrative offices and an auditorium with a black box theater, as well as a new gym, dance room and locker rooms.
The celebration will include special presentations for the families of the late HISD Board of Education Trustee Manuel Rodríguez Jr. and school namesake Charles H. Milby. Following the ceremony, attendees will be able to take self-guided tours of the new campus. A butterfly release also will be held in the school courtyard in memory of Trustee Rodríguez, who oversaw the district in which Milby is located and worked tirelessly on the school’s behalf.
Milby is among 40 schools across the district being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program. Construction is currently underway at nearly three dozen campuses — more than at any other time in district history. By the end of the summer, nearly have of all bond projects will be complete. Once all work is done, HISD will boast of one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the nation.
EVENT PARKING INFORMATION
Because parking is limited, attendees are encouraged to take a shuttle from one of six designated satellite parking lots. Shuttles will run continuously from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and again from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Shuttle stops will be located at:
- Davila Elementary, 7610 Dahlia
- Sanchez Elementary, 2700 Berkley
- Deady Middle School, 2500 Broadway
- Primera Iglesia Evangelica, 2306 Broadway
- Mission Milby, 2220 Broadway
- Sellers Bros, 8011 Elvera