Renovations of Worthington high schools expected to begin summer 2023
The latest updates on the renovation and replacements at Thomas Worthington and Worthington Kilbourne high schools are bringing favorable reviews.
Max Gregory, a Thomas Worthington freshman, said one of the things that’s important to him is keeping the historical aspect of the building.
“I think they did a pretty good job of doing that, but I think they could make it look a little more historical than what they did,” he said following a Dec. 1 community meeting at Kilbourne. “I like the designs they made a long time ago and (would like to) keep it prominent so when new people come in the city, they see what has been there a long period of time.”
Gregory said he’s glad the field in the front the high school is being retained.
“I like they’re making an outdoor student section,” he said. “I thought that was pretty cool.”
Mike Dingeldein, an architect with Community Design Alliance, said outside a student commons area glass wall at Thomas will be formal/informal spaces, not just landscaping.
“This is a space where I could get really happy to go to,” he said. “There’s informal bench seating, some loose furniture, more formal tables and chairs, lots of green.”
Vicki Gnezda, Worthington schools communication director, said work is expected to start at Thomas Worthington in June, with the entire project scheduled to be completed in early 2026.
She said the work at Worthington Kilbourne will occur primarily during the next four summers.
Gregory said he wishes the work could be done quicker.
“I feel like it’s not going to be done by the time I graduate,” he said.
The estimated budget is $128 million for Thomas, $76 million for Kilbourne and $13 million for the natatorium, according to Gnezda.
The community approved two tax measures on the Nov. 8 ballot that made the replacement and renovations possible.
Erin Sogal, co-leader of Worthington Community for Schools, the group that touted the tax issues, said she likes the way both high schools are being supported in terms of renovation and design.
“I think the Thomas building is quintessential Worthington,” she said. “I think it’s beautiful and really matches the aesthetic of our whole community. And as a Kilbourne alum, it’s great to see we’ve invested for future generations. My kids are going to experience the same razzle-dazzle that I did when I came to Kilbourne. It’s exciting.”
Sarah Kuhnell, a parent of Worthington students, said both designs reflected the values of the community and what was requested from students, teachers and staff and community members.
“I think the outdoor learning spaces are really exciting because it shows where we’re headed in the future of learning, and we’re on track as a community for delivering on the needs of our kids and our learners,” she said.
“Inclusivity of all types of learners, all types of bodies, all types of ways of thinking is the future of education, and we’re designing for that.”
Katie Gregory, Max’s mother, also said she likes the Thomas Worthington plan.
“I think they did a pretty good job of keeping the look and not making it too modern,” she said. “I’m a fan of historical pillars, and so I kind of would miss that. The function of it is the most important. We also have a child in seventh grade and a 2-year-old. Our kids will be using the schools for a long time. From what I saw, they’re doing a pretty good job.”
Dingeldein said the planning work would begin soon on structure, mechanical and electrical systems.
“Programmatically, we’re feeling very comfortable with where we are with both high schools,” he said. “These two high schools, which are frankly different, we’re looking for ways to make them successful for the long term.”
To check out the updates for the projects, check out the video online.
Gnezda said community update meetings would be held throughout the process, but none have been scheduled.
@ThisWeekMarla
This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Renovations of Worthington high schools expected to begin summer 2023
