High School renovation project begins

Restroom to mechanical

Phase 1 of the Decorah High School renovation project has begun. Currently crews from Larson Construction (of Independence) are working on deconstruction efforts. This stage on the second floor involves renovating the north section of second floor by converting three adjacent classrooms to two on both sides of the corridor (see pictures below).  These classrooms are anticipated to be "operational" by this fall.  Classrooms on the second floor will include math, resource centers, foreign languages and social studies. The second floor work will also involve construction of bathrooms for both genders.

Additionally, work begun on the first floor includes new bathrooms for both genders (where the former teachers' lounge was located) and renovation of the media center.  An immediate project will also be deconstructing the "red shed" that has been used for storage to make room for new shop areas as well as storage.

Larson Construction Project Manager Rich Reysack said he was very pleased to be working on the Decorah High School and was especially pleased that local contractors will be so heavily involved. Reysack also said a great deal of attention will be paid to recycling materials in the deconstruction. Although he was unable at this time to specifically say what percent of materials will be recycled, he noted current work Larson Construction is doing at the University of Iowa that has exceeded 99 percent recycling of materials.

Superintendent Mike Haluska said staff will be developing a website to help students and the public keep in touch with the renovation project. He added that students will be involved in that work as part of classes and school activities.

Deconstructing the Media Center

Last pic of "the red shed"

three classroms = two

three classrooms = two