News Summary
Irmo High School is undergoing a major $50 million expansion to modernize its facilities. The project includes a new three-story wing, replacing an outdated building. Set to open in late 2026, it will house over 50 classrooms and a small business incubation center. This transformative effort is part of a larger $240 million bond initiative, aiming to enhance the educational environment and foster innovation within the community.
Exciting Times Ahead for Irmo as High School Expansion Takes Shape!
Located in the heart of Irmo, a vibrant community is buzzing with excitement over some big changes at Irmo High School. A significant expansion project is currently underway, bringing with it a whopping $50 million investment aimed at modernizing the school’s facilities. This new addition will include a state-of-the-art three-story wing that’s already approximately 60% completed, and is expected to open its doors to students in the later part of 2026.
Bringing the Old Into the New
The new wing aims to replace a rather outdated 60-year-old building that has served its purpose well but is ready for a much-needed facelift. This extensive project is part of a larger $240 million bond referendum that received a warm welcome from local voters, with $30 million specifically earmarked for an innovative small business incubation center. That’s right! It’s not just about classrooms; it’s about fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs right in Irmo!
As of now, around $39.5 million has been spent on the construction, translating to a cost of about $329 per square foot. And it’s not just a few classrooms being added; we’re talking about a new 120,000-square-foot facility that will accommodate over 50 new classrooms covering key subjects like English, social studies, science, and math. Plus, there’ll be an expansive media center and newly designed administrative offices. Students will also benefit from a fresh entrance that connects seamlessly to the west wing.
Progress in Action
Around 70 dedicated workers are on-site making this vision a reality, all while school is still in session next door! The project is being skillfully designed by LS3P architects and is managed by Brownstone, with EdCon leading the building efforts. The architects have incorporated thoughtful design features, like large windows to saturate the interiors with natural light, along with branding elements that will proudly display the school’s colors.
One unique element of this expansion is the planned “history wall” in the lobby, which will feature images that celebrate the rich history of Irmo High School. How cool is that?!
Looking Ahead
The excitement doesn’t stop with just the new wing. There are further expansions on the horizon, including plans for a student center and a new cafeteria, all part of the bond referendum. The ultimate goal is to modernize the school’s infrastructure to better align educational facilities with current needs, making the learning environment even more conducive to student success.
The new east wing was officially included in the board’s Preliminary Master Site Plan, along with Phase I Schematic approved back in October 2022. Meanwhile, planning for Phase II will focus on getting that new cafeteria built, and the future Phase III is set to develop a small business incubator. With all these improvements, the district is on a mission to enhance the overall campus environment, aiming to foster a culture of innovation and creativity among students.
In summary, the expansion of Irmo High School is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s a leap forward into a bright future for the students and the community as a whole. With passionate dedication and innovative planning, Irmo High is set to shine, ready to inspire countless generations of learners ahead!
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