News Summary
Irmo High School’s new East Wing is set to open in Fall 2026, with 60% of construction already completed. This 120,000-square-foot facility will feature over 60 classrooms, administrative offices, and a media center. With student feedback considered, the design aims to provide both historical context and modern conveniences, including a business incubator and a new cafeteria. The project is currently under budget and represents a significant investment in the community’s educational future.
Exciting Times for Irmo: New East Wing of High School on the Horizon!
In the vibrant town of Irmo, big changes are happening at the high school! The buzz around town is all about the brand new East Wing of Irmo High School, which is nearing a substantial milestone in its construction journey. With an impressive 60% of the work already completed, students, teachers, and parents are eagerly awaiting the grand opening set for Fall 2026.
What to Expect from the New Structure
The upcoming East Wing is not just any old building; it’s a gigantic 120,000 square feet three-story structure designed with students’ needs at heart. Inside, there’s an exciting layout planned to house over 60 classrooms, various administrative offices, and a modern media center where students can dive into research or work on group projects.
One of the standout features of the new East Wing is going to be Pride Hall, a special area dedicated to celebrating the rich history of Irmo High School. It will serve as a constant reminder to students of the school’s legacy and accomplishments, all while embracing the school’s motto, “Beware The Sting”. Talk about school pride!
Entrepreneurship and Modern Conveniences
In addition to classrooms and historical elements, the design includes a small business incubator aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among students. This innovative space will provide budding entrepreneurs with the tools and inspiration needed to take their first steps into the business world. Isn’t it wonderful to see education evolving to prepare the next generation for real-world challenges?
And let’s not forget about the lunch break! The design team has included a brand new cafeteria student center, which means that students will have a fresh, inviting place to grab their meals and hang out during lunch breaks. Outdoor spaces are also in the works, so students can soak up some sunshine while enjoying their time outdoors between classes.
Budget and Timeline Updates
Now, about the numbers! The entire East Wing project has been noteworthy not just for its scale but for its management of finances, too. The project is currently running under budget at an impressive $329 per square foot. Originally, the budget for this massive undertaking was set at $49 million, but it was later adjusted to $52.5 million to accommodate enhancements before the initial construction even kicked off. Ultimately, the projected total cost will be around $55.4 million.
With construction set to wrap up in Spring 2026, the excitement is palpable as everyone gears up to welcome students back into this modern learning environment just in time for the new school year! The new East Wing is a thoughtful response not to overcrowding, but rather to address the age of the existing facilities, ensuring that students can learn in a space that reflects both tradition and innovation.
Keeping Traditions Alive
Irmo High School has a beloved history spanning over 90 years, and this new design seeks to uphold and celebrate that legacy. The talented team at LS3P, under the guidance of architect Mary Beth Branham, is dedicated to creating spaces that adapt to modern educational demands while remaining connected to the school’s heritage.
Importantly, the school’s leadership believes in the value of student feedback, involving them in the planning stages of these new spaces, which ensures that the East Wing will truly meet their needs and aspirations.
This fantastic project is much more than bricks and mortar; it is a community investment in the future of education for the youth of Irmo. Get ready, because big things are just around the corner!
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Wikipedia: Irmo High School
- WIS TV
- Google Search: Irmo High School East Wing
- The State
- Google Scholar: Irmo High School renovation
- Cola Daily
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Irmo High School
- WLTX
- Google News: Irmo High School construction
