Plymouth-Canton Schools 2020 bond projects moving along
Two high schools, three elementary schools undergoing major renovations
Summertime was hammer time for construction workers building out and renovating five Plymouth-Canton Schools buildings.
Major addition and renovation projects at Plymouth and Salem high schools, and Miller, Bird and Smith elementary schools appear to be moving along nicely over two years after Plymouth and Canton residents approved a $275 million bond in March of 2020.
An official update will be provided at Tuesday’s 7 p.m. Board of Education meeting at Discovery Middle School.
The largest projects are unfolding at Salem and Plymouth high schools.
Salem’s 52-year-old Gloria Logan Auditorium is receiving a much-needed facelift and addition. Its aged seating performance space was completely replaced and a scene shop was added to the northern-most section of the high school.
Photos listed on the school district’s website show a stark contrast between the newly-placed seating compared to the original wooden seats that had obvious signs of wear and tear since the performing arts center debuted in 1972.
Student performers and staff often lamented about the auditorium’s lack of a scene shop, which forced actors to change in cramped quarters. That situation will be remedied by the addition of a new changing space. The entire project was estimated to cost $4.7. million.
Plymouth High School will no longer be listed among Class A-sized high schools in Michigan without a natatorium as work on a new eight-lane swimming pool/diving well with second-story viewing is underway on the southeast corner of the building.
In addition to the pool, a multi-purpose room — with space for basketball, volleyball and gymnastics — is under construction. The addition will include a slick two-story special events grand entrance and lobby and new 90-space parking lot.
ELEMENTARY PROJECTS
Three of the district’s elementary schools whose students and staff have endured decades of using a shared space for their gyms and cafeterias are in the midst of additions that will alleviate issues created by the dual-purpose rooms.
Miller, Bird and Smith elementary schools are all being expanded.
When the final nail is hammered into place at Miller, the school will have a new gymnasium, classrooms and a new office that will enhance the building’s security. Students will also enjoy a entirely overhauled playground with state-of-the-art equipment.
Bird will be enhanced by a new gymnasium and additional classroom space, new kitchen flooring and equipment and new playground equipment, while Smith will undergo similar upgrades to its building.
