NEW PALESTINE — Design plans revealed for the renovation under way at New Palestine High School aren’t quite finalized. However, district officials recently got a good look at preliminary architectural drawings of how things might look.
A rough concept of the designs, which is Phase 2 of the project for the renovation of the high school, show a bold front entrance with a walkway plaza area to divide the two front parking lots, complete with a dragon logo inlaid in the surface.
The renderings also show an open hallway just inside the school that can be used as a gathering place during games and school events.
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Barton-Coe-Vilamaa Architects recently presented an update to the school board surrounding the $49 million renovation and addition project, which is expected to go to bid sometime in June.
Phase 1 of this project is already under way, including the construction of a new fieldhouse, additional parking, and a relocation of the varsity softball field.
While the board did not have to pass a vote to accept the renderings or approve them, members were pleased with the concepts of what they’ve seen so far and were in unison to continue with the project.
“It’s a fun time and an exciting time for all the students and parents in our district,” board member Dan Walker said.
He was particularly thrilled with the rough draft and early photos of how things could look once construction is complete.
“I just like how our dragon and New Palestine logo will be prominent because we’re really proud of our New Palestine brand,” Walker said.
It will probably be sometime in the fall before actual construction on the next part of the project will officially start, community relations director Wes Anderson said.
Creating a new entrance for the school was one of the major things the community, staff and students asked for during the planning process.
“People wanted an obvious front entrance to the school because when people from other schools came for events nobody really knew were to go in,” Anderson said.
The new design will make the front entrance more prominent, and the overhang will be similar to one slated to go over the front entrance of the new fieldhouse that will be toward the back of the overall structure.
“We tried to tie those two areas together,” Anderson said.
The plaza walkway would have benches and a green space.
The main area inside the building as people walk through the front doors is also slated to be widened and made to look more modern. Officials plan to move the current athletic department offices and make the area a gathering spot for students during the day and patrons during games and gatherings.
While officials like what they see so far in the conceptual drawings, Anderson wanted to remind the community the design plans are not set in stone and could change.
“While these are not the final drawings, they are a good idea of the general direction we’re heading,” Anderson said.
The cafeteria concept is a prime example of a rendering that might be changing. Anderson said the most recent design for that area was presented to really just show the types of seating that will be available to students.
They’ll have low tables, square and round tables and a bench seating high top area, something students really wanted, Anderson said.
They final cafeteria plans will also have a quiet area for students, a place that won’t be all hustle and bustle as most cafeterias tend to be.
Anderson said he expects the actual layout of the room will more than likely change by the time the project is complete.
