Exciting Milestones at Sowers Middle School Construction Project
The 2023-24 school year marked a significant milestone for the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) as we proudly unveiled the new Sowers Middle School campus. With the completion of phase one, phase two began, involving demolition and site preparation for new construction. By May, the landscape had been transformed by removing the existing structure, making way for the installation of 120 piles and rebar cages to lay the foundation for the upcoming facilities.
June has brought remarkable progress, with visible daily advancements in the second construction phase. Key developments include the erection of the gym's steel superstructure, the installation of underground utilities, and the pouring of concrete over the steel rebar cages that form the footings for the locker room building.
Earlier this week, District leadership, Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) members, Sowers Middle School staff, and the Construct 1 construction team celebrated the beam signing, marking a significant milestone: the topping-out ceremony. This tradition, highlighted by placing a tree on the final steel beam, symbolizes the completion of the gym building's main framework. Members of our school community had the opportunity to sign the beam, leaving their mark on this important project. The tree represents growth, good luck, and a harmonious balance between our new structure and the environment. This milestone celebrates our team's hard work and dedication, ensuring their safety and success as we continue to build a bright future for our school community.
Phase two of the project includes:
- A state-of-the-art gym and multipurpose facility with a stage and audio/video (AV) equipment.
- Expanded outdoor spaces designed for active engagement between the Viking Union and the gym.
- A strategically positioned locker room building within the dynamic hard court area featuring ball walls, basketball courts, and volleyball courts.
- Improved parking facilities and streamlined pickup and drop-off points.
- Completion of phase two is slated for mid-2025.
Sowers Reconstruction Project Phase 2
We are excited to provide you with the latest Sowers Reconstruction Project - Phase 2 updates.
Construct1, our construction partner, has positioned itself within the existing Sowers building in preparation for the upcoming phase. Internal demolition of the building has begun, which may lead to increased trucks entering and exiting the Indianapolis area. The team will be mindful of pick-up and drop-off times to minimize disruptions and alleviate potential traffic congestion.
External demolition is scheduled to start at the beginning of March. While this phase signifies progress, it may also bring about unavoidable noise disturbances. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.
The demolition process adheres to applicable construction codes to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
We anticipate the demolition phase to be completed by May 2024, and we will keep you informed of any changes to this schedule. Throughout the process, Construct1 has committed to implementing efforts to mitigate noise and dust due to the demolition.
Thank you for your ongoing patience, support, and cooperation as we strive to enhance our Sowers campus for future generations.
Sowers Middle School Ribbon Cutting Celebration Marks a New Chapter
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Laughter and chatter filled the air, and the excitement was palpable as Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) welcomed esteemed guests, enthusiastic students, proud parents, current and former staff, and members of the Sowers Middle School community to its long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony–celebrating the completion of the first phase of reconstruction!
To kick off the festivities, Interim Principal Mr. Jeff Smith, Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston, Board President Mrs. Diana Marks, Board Member Dr. Paul Morrow, and ASB President Catalina Barrera each took their turn, sharing anecdotes, aspirations, and heartfelt thanks.
"Today marks a significant chapter in the history of the District, a chapter that began with a vision for a future where our students are provided with an educational environment fitting for future-ready learners," emphasized Dr. Leisa Winston.
Mrs. Diana Marks, a former Sowers science teacher, and Dr. Paul Morrow, a former Sowers principal, reminisced about their fond memories in the honeycomb-shaped building. They expressed the bittersweetness of the new chapter for Sowers, reflecting on cherished moments and expressing excitement about the school's evolution.
Their words painted a vivid picture of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit that made the project a reality. The Sowers Viking choir's rendition of "Here Comes the Sun" filled the air with the sweet melody of unity, hope, and the transformative power of education.
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Catalina Barrera, ASB President, expressed, “My class will be the first to promote from New Sowers, and it comes with a sentimental feeling. The few years of construction have been worth it. I've truly enjoyed this new campus and can't wait to see what's next for our school.”
Gratitude was extended to the Sowers PTSA, Studio W architects, and Construct 1 for their generous event sponsorship, highlighting the power of collaboration and community support.
Attendees explored the renovated campus, admiring the new facilities and learning spaces, a testament to the dedication and effort invested to reach this point.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees eagerly anticipated the next phase of the reconstruction project (expected completion in early 2025), marking the start of a fresh chapter in Sowers Middle School's history with endless opportunities ahead.
Discover the highlights and special moments captured by local news media by clicking the links below.