Thanks to West St. Paul Chiropractic for their support.
In 2018, ISD 197 voters approved a $117 million bond referendum to make massive improvements to facilities across the district. Construction started immediately in 2018 and the last few projects just finished. The new football stadium received a lot of the initial attention, but we also highlighted other improvements throughout the district. Here’s a look at some of the other improvements to come to Two Rivers High School (formerly known as Henry Sibley).
Two Rivers Improvements
One of the major improvements isn’t that evident at first glance, but comparing before and after photos makes it pretty startling.
A big upgrade to the front entrance made it fully accessible, added windows to increase daylight and visibility, added security improvements, and created a welcoming entryway.
Other improvements can be seen throughout the building, including:
- A new gym with floor-to-ceiling windows.
- An open science wing with open break out space.
- A black box theater.
- Wenger practice rooms for the music department.
- Music storage lockers, including climate-controlled storage for orchestra.
- Industrial kitchen for the Family and Consumer Science program (FACS).
That’s just a quick sampling. Additional improvements include common areas, small group break out spaces, fitness room, art and tech ed modernization, and more.
Aquatic Center
Another dramatic addition is the separate aquatic building. The flexible pool and diving space replaces the aging pool at Heritage. It’s the only aquatics center in Minnesota designed to have its primary heat source for the water provided by solar panels. The solar system will pay for itself in seven years.
The center already plays host to the women’s swim and dive team from Concordia, thanks to a partnership with an initial $360,000 capital investment and a 22-year rental agreement. That investment built a dedicated locker room, three-meter diving board, and lighting improvements to meet NCAA standards.
Keeping the aquatics center separate from the high school makes it easier to make the building available to the community and maintain security at the high school.
Learn More
The district plans to offer public tours of the newly completed work at the high school in October, so watch for details as those become available. (Update: Self-guided tours will happen on Saturday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to noon.)
Work at most of the schools in the district is complete, though there are a few backordered items and punch list projects. Get more information on the facility upgrades.
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