Two Grand Rapids Public School buildings are receiving $29.9 million in extreme makeovers as part of a $150 million project to address the school system’s most pressing renovation and reconstruction needs.
Palmer Elementary and Harrison Park Elementary are both undergoing what builders call a “gut-down and build-back:” extensive renovations that include interior reconstruction, new windows, roofs, wallcoverings, and flooring.
Palmer Elementary’s $4.9 million makeover features a 34,000-square-foot gymnasium addition. Students currently are attending Oakdale Elementary until construction is completed in December.
“We anticipate moving the students into their newly renovated building when they return from Christmas break,” said Tim Funk, Administrative Assistant for the GRPS Facilities department.
“Harrison Park is undergoing a two-fold process which will give them new middle school classrooms, spaces for offices and group learning, and a new elementary/middle school gymnasium,” Funk added.
Estimated cost is $25 million. GRPS officials expect to open the refurbished Harrison Park building when school starts next year.
Source: Tim Funk, Administrative Assistant, Facilities GRPS
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