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Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Planned for Blair High School’s Renovations
Education Feb 05, 2019
Blair High School’s new architectural design includes a 91,000 square foot renovation. Courtesy photo/ PUSD
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Blair High School’s new architectural design includes a 91,000 square foot renovation. Courtesy photo/ PUSD
Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Brian McDonald and Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek plan to join PUSD board members, representatives from the City of Pasadena and community organizations, students, families, teachers, staff, and alumni at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration of Blair High School’s newly renovated high school campus on Wednesday, Feb. 6.
“The extensive renovation of the high school building, along with the upgraded track and field, deliver enhanced learning and athletic opportunities for students,” said Superintendent McDonald. “Together with the existing middle school campus, Blair is equipped to support the development and growth of well-rounded students who are ready to succeed in the 21st century.”
Blair School serves 978 students in grades 6-12 and is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering three IB programs (Diploma, Career-related, and Middle Years), a Health Careers Academy, a Spanish Dual Language Program, and the district’s International Academy.
The 91,000 square foot renovated building includes 23 classrooms, science labs, a music technology lab, band room, choir room, and counseling center. Classrooms are equipped with new furniture and projectors. Other amenities include renovated administration offices, an expanded library, a family resource center, student store, and JROTC facility.
The entry was moved to the north side of the campus, providing a welcoming and secure entrance from the parking lot for students and visitors. Other major renovations include new roofs, plumbing, electrical systems, air conditioning and ventilation, security cameras, fire sprinkler systems, state-of-the-art fiber optics, ADA-compliant structures, and foundation work for an addition.
The $28.4 million project was funded by Measure TT, a bond initiative approved by voters in 2008 for construction and modernization of PUSD schools. A new $1.2 million track and field, also funded by Measure TT and developer fees, opened for student use in October 2018. Measure TT bond funds are targeted for capital improvements and are separate from district operating expenses.
The architect for the high school modernization project was gkkworks|CannonDesign. The general contractor is Pinner Construction. For the track and field project, the architect was PJHM and the contractor was Byrom-Davey.
“The Blair Viking family is excited to move into the newly renovated campus where high school students will learn in classrooms equipped for 21st century learning,” said Principal David Ibarra. “The upgraded facility reflects the values of our Viking community and the excellence we strive for every day.”
