The new Revelstoke Secondary School has cost about $35 million and its opening is, it’s fair to say, eagerly awaited by parents and students across the city.
And the day of its opening is rapidly approaching. Originally slated for completion and opening by November 30, District Principal for Technology and Operations Earl Woodhurst said Thursday that it could open as early as October.
“The contracted completion date is November 30 but we expect an opening in October to be likely,” he said during a tour of School District 19 trustees and members of the news media. “We don;t want to come out and set a date at this point because we might be held to it.”
Whenever it does open almost everyone in town will want to see it. The new school feels significantly larger than the old RSS building but is, in fact, smaller. Part of the difference is due to the way that each space has been purpose built. The ceilings are much larger and that enhances the sense of space. Almost every office, classroom and smidgen of usable space has a terrific view and all of the windows open. This brightens the school spaces and enhances the sense that the spaces are filled with light and fresh air — a far cry from the old building.
Trustees who went on the Thursday morning tour were universally enthusiastic about the progress so far completed. But why waste your time describing it in print when you can see for your self through the following 33 photos. Enjoy:
This is the student and staff entrance to the new high school, which is expected to open this autumn — perhaps as early as October. David F. Rooney photoDistrict Principal for Technology Earl Woodhurst (left) talks with School Board Trustees Jeff Nicholson, Annie Wilson and Mauro Morrone during a tour of the nearly completed high school. David F. Rooney photoThis is the corner of the front office where Brenda Diebert will hold sway. David F. Rooney photoThis room with a view awaits its official occupant — RSS Principal Mike Hooker. David F. Rooney photoThis is the common area where students will be able to enjoy a fantastic view while eating lunch. David F. Rooney photoThe pillar is part of the innovative air circulation system while the panels at the top of the image are sound baffles. David F. Rooney photoThere's still plenty of work ongoing both outdoors, as here on an outdoor common area, and inside. David F. Rooney photoWoodhurst shows off a typical classroom space to Nicholson, Wilson and District Principal Jane Morris. David F. Rooney photoThe hallways are narrower than those in the old building, but with local fir ceilings infinitely more attractive. David F. Rooney photoThe fir used for the ceilings throughout the building were cut in the Alkoklex and milled at Downie Street Sawmill. David F. Rooney photoThese are top and bottom views of a ventilation shaft. David F. Rooney photoFlush! Earl Woodhurst tries the handle on one of the urinals in a boys' washroom. David F. Rooney photoThis is the inside of the girls' washroom. Partitions have yet to be installed. David F. Rooney photoPlumber Mike Freberg cuts some pipe in a work space. David F. Rooney photoTrustee Mauro Morrone admires the view from the classroom. Almost every space in the new school enjoys a view and all of the windows can be opened. David F. Rooney photoPiping snakes through the space between the real ceiling and the framework for a false one below it. David F. Rooney photoA worker wipes down a strut. David F. Rooney photoThis is the new library space. Yes, it is 20% larger than the existing one. David F. Rooney photoAnother view of the dining area as seen from a balcony above it. David F. Rooney photoWorkers paint a wall above the common dining area. David F. Rooney photoThis almost cavernous space is the new woodworking class room. It includes a clean space for book-oriented lessons, while the area on the balcony above is for students' work and storage. David F. Rooney photoDoors in the process of being painted occupy the auto body shop. David F. Rooney photoA clean space for book studies attached to the automotive shop. David F. Rooney photoThis is part of the metal work shop. It includes a foundry room, storage and student work spaces. The three vents hanging down are for the welding area exhaust system. David F. Rooney photoEarl Woodhurst points towards the Community Energy System's heat-echange unit, which is surprisingly small dark blue unit above left. David F. Rooney photoThe enclosed room on the left is a space where students can just hang out. It is adjacent to an aerobics workout room, change rooms and showers. David F. Rooney photoThis is the new music room. It includes studio spaces and a recording studio — and a great view of course. David F. Rooney photoThis cavernous space is, naturally, the new gymnasium. Retractable bleachers will be installed along the walls. David F. Rooney photoThis is the backstage area, which includes change rooms and set storage areas, of the new theatre. David F. Rooney photoThis is the new community entrance as seen from the school looking towards the Forum. David F. Rooney photoThis is a view of the new theatre space. The seats have yet to be installed. Both school plays and Revelstoke Theatre Company productions will be performed here. David F. Rooney photoHere's another view of the theatre showing the overhead catwalk complex. David F. Rooney photoHere's an outside view of the community entrance to the school. All told, the school space seem larger than the old building but is, in actuality, smaller. David F. Rooney photo
