It won’t last long, but for now the media center ceiling at St. Johns High School looks a lot like a ski lodge at a five-star resort.
Well, maybe not quite that fancy – but it is very, very cool.
Everyone was surprised when the original wood miraculously appeared following demolition of the existing ceiling tile that had covered the wood frame, most likely since the high school opened in August 1969. No one expected to see wooden beams and support structures – some still encased in the original protective covering.
Unfortunately the ski lodge look will disappear in the near future. The high, dome ceiling that makes even small sounds and noises resonate is being refitted with new acoustic tile as part of the renovation project in and around the media center “circle.” Classrooms and learning sites around the circle are being enlarged. The rejuvenated media center and circle classroom area is set for completion in September at the start of the 2013-14 school year.
Classrooms in units A and D of the new academic wing have been in use since students returned from the holiday break in January.
Construction work is progressing on schedule elsewhere in the building where workers are busy in three of the largest spaces – the new competition gym, swimming pool and cafeteria/kitchen. Those spaces are also set to open this September.
Demolition of the existing pool and renovation of that space for use as new music classrooms and practice areas will start in March, and be completed in September. Renovations of the existing auditorium will also begin in March and be completed by November. Renovation of the existing orchestra/band/choral rooms begins in October; completion in May 2014.
For detailed information on the construction project visit the district website, www.sjredwings.org
[Editor’s note: Does anyone remember seeing the original beams in the Media Center? If so, tell us about it. mail@sjindy.com