Irving Middle School's recent renovations modernized the 90-year-old building, adding new technologies and upgrades while maintaining its original design.
The $20 million renovation budget included a new geothermal heating and cooling system, new windows, technology upgrades, new lighting and a new roof. Construction began in May 2015 and wrapped up in November.
School staff showed off the renovations during an open house Sunday at Irving, 2745 S. 22nd St., which included guided tours, choir performances and displays of student art.
Traces of construction work still lingered Sunday; black tarps lined the sidewalks leading to the building’s brand new entryway, and some classrooms had the scent of fresh paint.
Julie Hunter, an eighth-grade math teacher at Irving for 15 years, said one of the most noticeable changes is the auditorium. Before renovations, audiences would sit in the building’s original wooden chairs from 1927.
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“Our auditorium was notorious for the wooden, clanky chairs with wrought iron, beautiful, art-deco ends,†she said. “They were so uncomfortable and noisy when you stood up.â€
Now, the auditorium is equipped with a new sound booth, light fixtures lining the walkways and new padded chairs. Although the space seats less people, Hunter said the seats are much more comfortable and quiet.
Meagan Hoefs, a sixth-grade special education teacher at Irving, said she’s seen better performance in the classroom from her students since the updates.
All classrooms were fitted with a new audio system that lets the teachers instruct using microphones, a tool Hoefs said has come in handy.
“I love it,†she said. “… when I put this on, they seem to listen better than me using my loud voice.â€
The tool comes with a wearable microphone for the teachers and a hand-held microphone that students can pass around. Hoefs said her students are more eager to volunteer to read in class when they’re able to talk into the microphones.
The classrooms have also been given projectors and magnetic whiteboards, and the entire building’s internet has been updated.
Hunter, who often uses her iPad to teach, said the faster internet speed has made teaching more efficient.
Additionally, every teacher is able to have their own classroom now, with enough space after renovations to add three conference rooms. Hoefs said she uses the extra rooms regularly to host small groups, team meetings and individualized education programs.
“It’s nice to have that extra space,†she said.
While the building was given a modern update with new fixtures and technology, Hunter said the look and feel of the building’s original design remains intact.
“They tried to maintain the integrity of the old-school feel,†Hunter said. “It’s a nice facelift, more secure.â€
The renovations were made possible in part by a $153 million bond issue approved by voters in 2014. That bond also helped fund projects such as the new Wysong Elementary, Moore Middle School, the Nuernberger Behavioral Skills program and the Career Academy.
The Norwood Park Elementary School at 4710 N. 72nd St. went through similar renovations and will hold an open house Sunday 1:30-3:30 p.m. The open house will showcase the building’s additional space, new kitchen and cafeteria, renovated main entrance and improved indoor air quality.
You can reach Bailey Schulz at 402-473-7223 or bschulz@journalstar.com. On Twitter @bailey_schulz.