Detroit Breaks Ground on $50 Million High School

DETROIT — The Detroit Public Schools system broke ground on a $50.3 million high school as part of the district’s $500.5 million capital improvement program aimed at closing unneeded schools and opening or updating new and existing facilities.

 

The 239,900-square-foot Mumford High School, situated on the city’s west side, will be one of three new high schools completed under the three-year capital improvement program, which was made possible through funds set aside by the Proposition S bond referendum passed in 2009. Under the stipulations of the federally funded Proposition S, the district must spend all bond dollars and complete the 18 projects, which include 10 new facilities and eight renovations, by 2012. 

 

Once complete, the new Mumford school will replace a building that dates back to the late 1940s. Mumford High, which is expected finished by 2012, is one of seven projects breaking ground this fall as part of the district’s capital improvement program.

 

Inside the new high school will be a media center, science laboratories, community health clinic, 800-seat auditorium, 1,200-seat gymnasium, and eight-lane swimming pool. White-Turner, a Detroit-based company, is managing construction for the project, which is expected to earn LEED Silver certification.