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Construction at Lawson Middle School is more than halfway complete with the installation of the roof and testing of the heating and cooling system well underway.
Lawson Principal Kasey Bailey said she’s happy with the construction progress and is looking forward to opening the new school next year.
“I’ve walked the building twice, and it’s definitely coming along,” Bailey said. “Since we are a fine arts magnet, I’m really looking forward to celebrating the arts.”
Lawson is being rebuilt as part of the voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. The $66.2 million facility will accommodate about 1,300 students. Design features include a new dining commons, gym, and central courtyard area, where students can gather to learn and study throughout the day.
Plans also include a new fine arts building, which will feature a modern black box theatre that also can be used as a multipurpose space.
Project Manager David Castaneda said damage at the site from Hurricane Harvey had been minimal and noted that construction was continuing to move forward as planned. The new facility is slated for completion during the second quarter of 2018. Once the new building is complete, the old building will be demolished to make way for new athletic fields.
Lawson is one of 40 schools across the district being renovated or rebuilt as part of the voter-approved 2012 Bond Project. Construction is underway at more than two dozen campuses. Almost half of all projects are now complete and open to students. Once all work is finished, HISD will boast of one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.