H-F got new renovations throughout the school over summer break, including new flooring in South Gym, new additions to the South Gym, new TVs and the culinary classes got new industrial kitchen appliances.
The leader of the new renovations is James Patterson, Head Director of all construction and controls all the renovations that take place at H-F.
Over the summer three phases went on in the North Building. “The first phase was interior design and fashion design. They have been in the classes for about a year now. Phase two was a residential kitchen which took place in the area where sowing was at; they started to use that area over the summer. Phase three was the commercial kitchen that got turned over to the culinary program last week,” Patterson said.
According to the official H-F page, “In July, the District 233 The Board of Education approved the bid for the school’s new Net-Zero Science Building and the Culinary and Fashion/Interior Design Renovations.” This has allowed the school to start the new process of all the renovations.
These new classes will help students find a path in their careers, according to the official H-F page. “Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley emphasized the importance of academic return on investment in these capital projects, including academic and career pathway needs of students today and into the future.”
The Head Director of sports Matthew Lyke has said how he thoroughly enjoys the new flooring in the South Gym. “We have reserved several compliments from parents, guardians and spectators, and our athletes absolutely love it,” Lyke said.
The construction for the new building that connects to the South Building is on its way. Patterson describes it’s running smoothly and should be done in the winter of 2024. “We probably won’t see a move in until fall semester of 2025, then over the summer we’ll move in completely,” Patterson said.
According to the official H-F page, “In July, the Board approved the administration’s recommendation including the base bid for the science building, alternate A for the culinary and fashion design renovations, and associated costs totaling $29,851,373. Offsetting the total cost are a $2 million Illinois Clean Energy Grant, a $40,000 ComEd New Construction Grant, and a $500,000 Illinois State Capital Improvement Grant. That brings the total cost to the district to $27,311,373.”
This helps give H-F an overview with how much they used for all of the renovations overall. For further information H-F posts new progress on their “Progress in Process” page on their website.
