East Grand Rapids — If you’ve driven by East Grand Rapids High School this summer, you’ve probably noticed the presence of excavators, bulldozers and backhoes, all signaling that big things are happening on campus.
Throughout the summer, work has been underway on the first stages of a project to transform and expand EGRHS by 2030.
The roughly $131.2 million high school transformation project, outlined in the district’s $158.9 million bond, approved by voters in 2023, aims to bring a new 150,000-square-foot building and more than 40,000 square feet of renovated space to the high school campus, with 25% larger classrooms, updated learning technology, state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems, and new spaces for the arts, STEM and more, as well as upgrades for athletic facilities.
The transformation took years to research and coordinate, and groundbreaking finally took place in June, with Owen-Ames Kimball and Pure Architects as the primary contractors. When the work began, it marked the start of a years-long project that will ultimately usher in a new era for EGRHS, said Anthony Morey, assistant superintendent of finance and operations.
“Breaking ground was a culmination of years of planning, research, and hard work, and we as a district are excited to see that work finally come to fruition,” Morey said.
Much of the summer has been spent on demolition, including the teardown of the former Field Event Center building. But the first signs of actual new construction will start to appear soon, he noted.
“Later this fall, the community will begin to see the footings and steel structures being erected, with the eastward expansion starting to take shape as we head into winter,” Morey said.
The district’s superintendent, Dr. Heidi Kattula, said the district is grateful to the community for making the project possible by approving the bond. She also said the district is thrilled about what the transformation project will mean for future Pioneers.
“We look forward to welcoming future generations of students into a world-class high school in 2030,” Kattula said.
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