The Springfield (Missouri) district has begun construction of a state-of-the-art Reed Academy of Fine and Performing Arts.
The Springfield News-Leader reports that new building is replacing a century-old facility that stood on the site. The aging brick structure that housed the school has been demolished and cleared.
"As we turn the first shovel of dirt, we are marking the beginning of an exciting journey for Reed, its students, parents, staff and our community," Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. "Our dream of creating the new Reed Academy of Fine and Performing Arts will soon become a reality."
The 128,900-square-foot building will serve 725 students in grades 6 to 8. There will be 21 core classrooms, six science combo labs and two collaboration spaces.
The layout provides 23,620 square feet for the performing arts, including two rooms each for choir and world dance and one each for band and orchestra. The school also will have a multipurpose auditorium with a stage, sound booth, storage and seating for 450 people.
The architect is Sapp Design Architects, and te builder is DeWitt Construction.
While construction is underway this school year and next, Reed will operate out of the former Jarrett Middle School building.
