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#18. Foss High School renovation/addition | |
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Cost: $18,867,000 (original contract)
2112 S. Tyler St., Tacoma Start of construction: Summer 2003 Expected completion date: Fall 2005 Owner: Tacoma School District No. 10 |
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Description Henry Foss High School opened in 1973 and was built on design concepts that were functional but whose modernist accents made the building look inaccessible, such as the imposing façade with no clearly identifiable entrance. Since the 1970s, the student population has grown dramatically and now space is at a premium. Many classes have to be held in portables, and the gym is not large enough to hold the entire student body, requiring split assemblies. The school’s renovation will address these design and space problems. Enhancements to the front entry will create a more welcoming atmosphere, and the addition of 55,000 square feet will open up interior spaces, bringing students in from portables. New building wings will accommodate up to 30 additional classrooms. The existing science lab will be renovated, and major new expansions to the gym facilities are planned, including a new weight room and performance gym. The reworked gym will be able to hold the entire student body. In 2001, the Tacoma School District received a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant to improve its curriculum and programming, and this project is a major step in implementing its education goals.
The district hopes that the new Henry Foss High School will promote smaller, more personalized learning environments, and ultimately enhance student achievement.
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