Westwood Regional Junior-Senior High School opened its new science wing at the end of December, a month ahead of schedule.  Students and faculty are excited about the nearly $3 million gut-renovation of the existing science wing which will provide the latest in science technology in a college like atmosphere.  Design and Construction work on this project was fast-tracked to minimize the impact to school operations.  Construction on the project began  immediately upon completion of the 2007/08 school year and continued for five months.

The renovated science wing is home to two chemistry labs, a chemistry/physics lab, a physics lab, three biology labs and two science classrooms.  Through careful and efficient space planning, FKA Architects was able to renovate the 18,000 s.f. Science wing to include an additional Science Classroom by recapturing underutilized space, thus adding to the overall capacity of the High School.

A second component of the Science Wing project was to renovate and expand the existing Main Office area to give it a more visible presence upon entrance to the school.  The existing main office area was not at all visible when visitors entered the High School building.  It was tucked around a corner and visitors had to be given directions to find it.  A key aspect of the new design was to eliminate this problem.  The new design incorporated a radial glass wall, with a striking red soffit signaling the new entrance to the main office.

The Science Wing Rehabilitation project was a cornerstone of a $16.6 million Bond Referendum to upgrade all six district schools passed in December of 2007.   To see more information on the Referendum, Click Here to go to the District’s Web page.