This is just one of Coppell ISD’s many upcoming innovations as it works through the first phase of projects included in the 2023 bond package voters considered last year. The district settled on a final cost estimate for constructing its new fine arts building and renovating its tennis center at Coppell High School after board approval March 25.
Both projects are scheduled for completion by August 2025, Bond Project Manager Sid Grant said.
The details
After wrapping up the bidding process, the district determined the total project cost at $18.6 million for the fine arts building and $5.5 million for the tennis center, Grant said. Within the estimate, the district allotted over $928,000 and $272,000 in contingency funds for each project, respectively, to be used only if necessary.
The 46,593-square-foot fine arts building will feature dressing rooms for band, choir, color guard, dancing and cheerleading as well as a dance and cheer gymnasium that will double as a storm shelter. The design also incorporates dedicated choir rooms, a band hall, ensemble storage, locker rooms and restrooms, Grant said.
“When these students move into the new building, the district will begin creating a career and technical education center in the vacated space at the high school," he said.
More details
The tennis center will see a renovation with a new ticket booth at the entrance, extra storage, and locker rooms for boys and girls teams with 120 total lockers, Grant said.
The design adds over 4,000 square feet, bringing the total blueprint to 7,000 square feet, and it includes space for instructional classrooms, offices and concessions, he said. The district is also resurfacing the existing courts and adding new light fixtures.
Construction will overlap with the 2024-25 school year so the district will provide a separate entrance into the tennis courts for students to enter safely. However, the building will be off limits during that period, Grant said. The district plans to bring in portable buildings to serve as changing areas with designated boys and girls rooms.
“It will be somewhat disruptive, but we will try to make it as accommodating as possible while we are under construction,” he said.
What’s next?
Core Construction, the contractor for 2023 bond projects approved by the board last July, will start mobilizing equipment, a job trailer and supplies to the school in April, and work is scheduled to begin in May for both projects, Grant said.
