The $36.1 million improvements include a new adult education facility, a new middle school and interior renovations to the department's existing Ronald W. Reagan Administration Building, according to the April 27 news release from Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc., the program manager for the projects.
The new $19.1 million adult education facility will be constructed at 6515 Irvington Blvd., Houston, replacing several aged buildings at the same address. The 51,000-square-foot building will accommodate 1,000-1,200 students and will feature 17 classrooms, five laboratories and administration spaces, according to the release.
Here, HCDE will offer English, math, reading, writing and workforce training to help students acquire skills to earn a high school equivalency diploma, enter college or to succeed in careers, LAN program manager Dan Wardrop said via email. Workforce training programs available include courses to become certified nursing assistants or phlebotomists, computer skills training, welding fundamentals and job placement services.
Additionally, the Ronald W. Reagan Administration Building, at 6300 Irvington Blvd., Houston, will undergo an $8.8 million renovation. Built in 1989, the building will be updated with new mechanical, electrical and safety systems, according to the release. Additionally, various office spaces will be relocated within the building, with the board room moving to the first floor and other office spaces and meeting and training rooms will be consolidated.
Meanwhile, Highpoint Middle School at 8003 E. Sam Houston Parkway N., Houston, will replace other older facilities. The $8.2 million campus will accommodate 60 students in sixth through eighth grades and feature six classrooms, two computer labs, a science lab, administration rooms, multipurpose rooms, teacher workroom and break room spaces, and a clinic, according to the release.
Wardrop said the design and development phase is underway with designs expected to be completed in September and construction to start in early December. All three projects are scheduled to be completed by December 2022.
