Tag Archives: BuildHISD

Final phase of renovations underway at YWCPA

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Construction at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy is now 85 percent complete, with first- and second-floor renovations finished and work on third-floor classrooms well underway.

Demolition on the third floor is nearing completion. Ductwork and plumbing have been installed and light fixture replacement and roof installation are in process. In addition, auditorium renovations, including installation of new lighting, ceiling, carpeting, and HVAC system are all underway.

“The space is phenomenal,” YWCPA Principal Dr. April Williams said. “It’s a nice feeling to know that construction will be completed this summer.”

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Kashmere HS celebrates grand opening of renovated campus

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Kashmere High School stakeholders gathered Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of their new 21st century campus, which underwent major renovations as part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program.

Students, staff, alumni, and various dignitaries crowded into the large, brightly lit, central commons area as the nationally acclaimed Kashmere Alumni Reunion Stage Band joined with the dance team and cheerleaders to kick off the festivities. Continue reading

Austin HS students move into temporary facility while new campus is constructed

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Austin High School students and staff began the spring semester on Monday in a temporary campus in preparation for the start of construction on their new building.

The new Temporary Learning Center — dubbed by school officials as the “TLC” and made up of temporary buildings — was built to ensure student and staff safety during construction. It is located along South Lockwood Drive, directly behind the existing school building.

Located in Houston’s East End, the 80-year-old comprehensive high school is being rebuilt as part of the Houston Independent School District’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. Plans for the $79.6 million project call for a new facility that preserves the original building’s architecturally significant building structure and can accommodate up to 2,000 students. Continue reading

Renovations wrap up at Scarborough HS

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Scarborough High School senior Melanie Esquivel remembers all too well how often the school band has been shuffled around over the last few years.

They practiced first in the dance hall and then in the gym, but the acoustics amped up their sound so much teachers in nearby classrooms often complained. So they moved into the cramped black box theater, where they made do.

“I almost cried when I saw it. It’s just so emotional. I’ve been waiting so long for it,” the 17-year-old flutist said, hardly able to contain her excitement as she pointed out features of the school’s new band hall. “We’re finally like a big part of the school.”

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North Forest celebrates transition into new school with ceremonial walk

Hundreds of North Forest High School students followed Principal Darryl Henson across Mesa Road on Monday, coming together to formally mark their transition into their new school.

The $59.5 million campus is the first new high school built in the North Forest community in almost 50 years.

“It’s important to show our students that we are coming over into a new environment that was built just for them,” Henson said, talking about the importance of the ceremonial walk from the old building to the new one. “I want the kids to feel a sense of pride and ownership.”

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New year, new building for Sharpstown HS

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Lining the sidewalk outside the school, Sharpstown JROTC members lifted their ceremonial swords to the sky while band members played celebratory music to officially welcome their fellow students to their new campus.

Built as part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program, the new school formally opened its doors on Monday. To celebrate the occasion, students and teachers gathered first at their old building and then ceremoniously walked together to the new school. Continue reading

Northside HS classroom renovations lead campus into 21st century

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When Northside High School alumnus Machell Blackwell walked through the doorway on the third floor of her alma matter, she said she felt like she was walking through time.

On one side of the well-worn building, it seemed dark and confined — even a bit dated. But on the other, hallways were lighter, classrooms were brighter, and there was a colorful, collaborative space where students could gather to work in small groups.

“To me, I feel like I was walking through a time machine,” said a smiling Blackwell, who also serves as a Northside PTO recruiter and member of both the Northside Project Advisory Team and Shared Decision-Making Committee. “I just walked into the 21st century.”

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Board approves plan to rebuild four Harvey-damaged schools

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education during its December meeting on Thursday approved a plan to rebuild four elementary schools that sustained the most severe flood damage as a result of Hurricane Harvey.

Facilities assessments of the four elementary schools — Braeburn, Scarborough, Kolter, and Mitchell — found significant property damage, as well as a strong need to raise the elevation of the buildings to prevent potential future flood damage.

The cost to replace the four schools is estimated at $126 million, which will be funded by a combination of Operations reserves and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) funds. Continue reading

Construction on new Yates HS surpasses halfway mark

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Construction of the new Yates High School is more than halfway complete, with crews already in the process of installing floors, painting walls, laying pavers, pouring sidewalks, and erecting permanent fencing.

A CenterPoint transformer and meter also has been set, meaning power soon will be connected to the building, allowing crews to begin testing mechanical systems inside the building.

The main entry facing north is nearly complete, with the main entry facing south and building signage soon to follow. The elevator also will soon be installed, and project officials plan to begin ordering new furniture in January.

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Garden Oaks Montessori additions set for first quarter completion

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Construction of two new buildings at Garden Oaks Montessori is nearing the finish line as both structures, as well as the first phase of campus renovations, are scheduled to be complete next quarter.

In the new buildings, external masonry and metal panels have been installed, as have most windows. All interior walls have been inspected and now are being insulated and covered.

Much of the remaining work will focus on interior finishes, including installation of ceiling panels, drywall, doors, and other built-ins.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, but the project has made great progress,” said Garden Oaks Montessori Principal Lindsey Pollock. “We’re planning to move in over spring break, and that’s very exciting.” Continue reading