New school plans confirmed in Patterson

Construction should begin in mid-2015 on the planned 81,400-square-foot facility that will house Patterson Junior High students.
Architect Jim Firmin said the project includes construction of new space which will be a two-story in certain sections. Additionally, the complete renovation of the existing 16,800-square-foot, two-story classroom building is included in the project. The renovated section will be used by the school’s fifth grade.
Firmin said the new school will be wired for computers and up-to-date teaching technology and will contain specific areas for special education, areas for flexible and collaborative teaching, as well as the standard library, cafeteria and physical education facilities.
The school, which will front on Catherine Street, is being constructed next to the existing school on property obtained by the School Board through an exchange with the City of Patterson.
Firmin said no firm opening date has been established. Rather, a strategically staggered opening will be employed as students will have to be moved around depending on what area is under construction.
Meanwhile, a $1.99-million sister project at Hattie Watts Elementary is underway.
The 11,650-square-foot student assembly and physical education facility at Hattie Watts Elementary is expected to be complete in December 2015.
Legacy Construction Services of Rossville, Tennessee, will construct the free-standing, single story building consisting of a student assembly/physical education area, two classrooms, two offices and restroom facilities. Plans call for it to be located near the kindergarten area of the school and connected to the main building via a covered walk.
Firmin said foundation work is slated to begin in the next week at Hattie Watts.
This facility and the junior high are being paid for by a 15-mill property tax approved by voters in October 2013 that supports $21 million in bonds.
Architects for the school are Firmin Architects in Morgan City in association with PBK Architects of Houston.