Detailed design plans have been unveiled for Sarnia's new Gregory A. Hogan school.
St. Clair Catholic District School Board trustees were given a first-hand look at the renderings, developed by Cornerstone Architecture, at a recent meeting.
Manager of Facility Services Tony Montanino said a number of features will be included, based on advice received through eight virtual input sessions with students, parents, and staff.
"Some of the important features from the input sessions were to see a great deal of natural light, safety and security, to create some flexible and collaborative space in the learning commons and in the foyer, and we touched a little bit on technology."
Montanino said a unique concept is being planned for the learning commons.
"Two-thirds will be on the ground floor, and it'll open into a well-lit atrium area," he said. "It will have a feature staircase that takes you to a mezzanine which is connected to the second floor. That will lead into an area where there will be some study rooms."
The new $17 million school will be able to house about 650 students, and will include five childcare rooms with 88 spaces.
The facility will address overflow enrollment at the current Gregory A. Hogan site.
French immersion students will go to the new facility and Sacred Heart school will be closed with its students moving to a renovated Gregory Hogan.
Construction of the two-storey school, on Rapids Parkway, is expected to begin this fall and be completed by the Summer of 2023.