Next week, we will welcome the first students to the new THS classroom wing. Areas that are substantially complete are the main hall of the new classroom wing, the gym and the locker rooms. We are expecting to take occupancy of the remainder of the classroom wing, the Shops, the office wing, the Commons, Spirit Hall and Kitchen by the end of March. Demolition of the interior spaces has been underway for a few weeks. Work will continue on the Art room, Science labs and construction in the old commons, kitchen and music room to begin in April. This summer, the gym floor will be stripped to bare wood, repainted and refinished to look like new. Bleachers have been installed in the gym mezzanine for additional seating and aisles and handrails will be added to the south bleachers to make them more accessible. The gym has received a thorough acoustic upgrade and does not echo as much as before. Fans should notice that announcements are easier to hear and understand.
The project remains on schedule and on budget. Demolition of the old classroom wing will begin in late June with exterior landscaping and hardscaping during the summer. The project will complete in time for school in September.
Our thanks to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe who came to the building this week to smudge the rooms. We've arranged for the Grand Lodge of Washington F&AM (Masons) to rededicate the cornerstone of the building in August. (This stone was laid by the Toledo Lodge in 1975). A grand opening will be announced later in the summer.
Watch our Facebook page for pictures from the interior spaces of the school.
