SAN DIEGO - A modern chapter is on the horizon for one of San Diego’s most historic high schools.
San Diego High School ’s Whole Site Modernization project is anticipated to begin this fall, bringing campus wide improvements and renovations to four classroom buildings, outdoor sports facilities, the student quad and support spaces.
WATCH: A 3D Flythrough of San Diego High’s Upcoming Improvements
The modernization represents the latest renovations for a school that has served students for 139 years. Opened in 1882, San Diego High was first known as “Russ School.” The population boomed within the first 20 years of opening, igniting the first campus expansion, known as “The Old Grey Castle.”
WATCH: SDHS Alumni Association’s History of San Diego High School
From 1907, the campus underwent a series of transformations until 1973, when the “Old Grey Castle” was torn down for earthquake safety concerns.
Now in 2021, the upcoming project will rejuvenate the campus once again, complementing the long list of successful teachers, alumni and decorated athletes - including the “Mother of Balboa Park,” Kate Sessions, who taught at San Diego High , and National Football League (NFL) player Art Powell, who graduated in the 1950s.
Starting in October, San Diego High will undergo interior renovations to building 100, including new student collaboration spaces and modernization of classrooms, student services offices, restrooms, and support spaces. Exterior improvements will also be made to the main entrance facade, including new signage. The project also includes improvements to interior finishes in the counselor's area and classroom buildings 400, 500 and 600.
Outdoor sports facilities improvements include softball field modernization, fence modifications, and new security lighting. Additional campus improvements include parking lot reconfiguration, food service improvements, and the installation of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). The existing east parking lot will be reconfigured to include drop-off and pick-up areas. Food services improvements include two new food kiosks.
HVAC will be installed in classrooms and support spaces throughout the campus, including building 200 and classroom buildings 500, 600, and 800, and upgraded in the classroom and student services building and classroom building 100, and counselor's area in building 300.
The project is anticipated to complete in 2025.
RELATED LINKS:
SDHS Upcoming Project Information Page
SDHS Alumni Association
San Diego History Center’s Page on SDHS
SDHS School Website
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Samer Naji, Facilities Communication Supervisor, San Diego Unified, 619-548-3388; [email protected]
Jamie Ries, Facilities Communication Liaison, San Diego Unified, 619-855-9283, [email protected]
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