The Trenton Times published the following article on February 3, 2014. To read the full article, click here.
New plans for Trenton Central High School head to School Development Authority for OK
By Jenna Pizzi/The Times of Trenton
on February 03, 2014 at 8:03 AM, updated February 03, 2014 at 8:05 AMTRENTON — Plans to tear down most of Trenton Central High School and build anew could take a step forward Wednesday when the State School Development Authority board is expected to vote on the $130.5 million proposal.
Last week the Trenton school board gave tentative approval to the project suggested by SDA CEO Charles McKenna to fast-track a reconstruction of the school, which has crumbling woodwork and ceilings, rodent infestations, leaky plumbing and other serious issues.
The initial plans call for building 305,411 square feet of new space and salvaging 35,000 square feet of the existing building, built in 1932, which has attractive and historic features that members of the community want to preserve.
Although the replacement school will be smaller than the current 438,862-square-foot building, McKenna has said the new space will be used more efficiently, allowing for more classrooms, computer labs, library space and other specialized classrooms.
The entire cost would be picked up by the SDA: Construction and renovation are estimated to cost approximately $104 million — $69 million for new construction and $7.5 million for renovation, with $4.7 million in design costs, according to the proposed project budget.