Project to give Laguna schools more room

Mary A. Castillo

Although the academic year is over, there is plenty of activity

scheduled this summer at district schools.

The Laguna Beach School District selected LPA, Inc., an architectural

firm based in Irvine to design a school modernization project. The

projects are funded by a combination of state modernization grants and

the recently passed $39-million local school bond.

“We’re really excited that we are improving the learning environment

of our students,” said Supt. Theresa Daem. “The process in choosing LPA,

Inc. was extensive because we wanted to get the best.”

The process in question started one year ago when a district committee

called for proposals and later screened and interviewed each firm. The

board selected LPA Inc. not only because some of the key staff are Laguna

residents, but also because the firm strives to uphold the integrity of

the community, said Daem.

Construction is planned to start after July 15 at Top of the World

Elementary, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School, said

Carl Neuhausen, construction project administrator for the district.

“We want to get the heavier work such as the demo, grading and site

preparation done before the students come back,” said Neuhausen. However,

construction will continue through the 2002-03 school year.

The board will review bids from contractors and are expected to select

one on July 9.

All schools will undergo site improvements, said Neuhausen, such as

upgraded electrical and communications systems, improved playing fields

and larger parking lots.

At Top of the World Elementary, work will include the addition of a

new 4,177-square-foot kindergarten classroom to an existing building and

the construction of a new 9,024-square-foot building. The new building

will bring eight more classrooms to the school, which expects more than

680 students next Fall.

Thurston Middle School will receive additional parking spaces as well

as upgrades to seven existing buildings. However, the most exciting

additions are the new gymnasium and performing arts building.

The 16,495 square-foot gymnasium will have air-glide bleachers and

maple spring court flooring. The windows and skylights are designed to

maximize energy efficiency.

The performing arts building, a 6,932-square-foot facility, will house

theatrical and instrumental programs and serve as both a public theater

and classroom.

Laguna Beach High School will receive a new building in and behind the

bleachers, said Neuhausen.

The new building will provide space for a girls’ locker room and math

classrooms.

Other new buildings will house a dance studio, a state-of-the-art

technology lab and additional classrooms.

Although the district officials are anxious to start the process, said

Daem, they are working to make sure that neighboring residents will not

be inconvenienced or annoyed by construction.

Renovations and additions are expected to be complete by fall 2004.