DPS update: 3 high schools — Denby, Henry Ford and Western — undergo extensive renovations

Last week, we talked about two new PK-8 schools being built in Detroit and, this week, it’s extensive renovations to two city high schools.

It might take us a few weeks to cover all the construction the Detroit Public School System has underway, but we’ll keep at it until we do.

Here are the details of the $60.3 million in renovations that started just last week:

Henry Ford High School on Evergreen near Seven Mile will receive a $17 million overhaul that will include new classrooms; an expansion of the dining area; the addition of two sustainable technology labs; an upgrade of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, security and technology systems; and the creation of an exterior courtyard.

For this project, DPS has selected Keo/McCarthy & Smith Team, a 50 percent Detroit-headquartered team.

Denby High School, located on Kelly near Morang, will see $16.5 million in renovations, including a roof replacement; improvements to the electrical, heating, security and technology systems; new lighting and flooring; the construction of a new commons area and entry vestibule; a new multi-purpose area; the installation of decorative fencing; and a complete restoration of the turn-of-the-century auditorium.

O’Brien Edwards / Turner Joint Venture, another 50 percent Detroit-headquartered team, will be handling the job.

Over on Scotten across from Clark Park, Western International High School will see $26.8 million in renovations that will include infrastructure improvements for heating, air quality and lighting; classroom modernizations; the addition of a new athletic facility — accessible to the students as well as to the broader community — complete with natatorium, gymnasium and exercise facility; the filling in of the existing pool and its conversion into a visual and performing arts area and a cultural arts center; a renovated administrative area; and a new security area.

For Western, DPS has selected Colansanti/DCI, which is a 100 percent Detroit-headquartered team.

All three projects will be complete by September 2011.

Source: Jennifer Mrozowski, Detroit Public Schools Office of Communications
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh