Find out how additions and renovations have redefined the spirit of learning at Galesburg Junior Senior High School. Students, district leaders, and Legat’s Monique Taylor reveal how the project has changed attitudes and primed students for academic success. Experience everything from collaborative corridor spaces and an expanded cafeteria/commons to a revived auditorium.
Additions and renovations transform high school into junior-senior high school, expand curriculum, and improve collaboration between grade levels
Galesburg High School, built in 1957, was outdated and too large for its enrollment. More than 300,000 square feet in expansions and renovations not only modernize the entire facility but also welcome seventh and eighth graders for the first time.
The four-phase project creates three zones to reduce bullying and smooth the transition between grade levels: seventh and eighth grade on the second floor of the existing building, ninth grade on the first floor, and tenth through twelfth grade in a one-story addition.
Remodeled corridors throughout the facility showcase new flooring, ceilings, and lockers. The high school corridors feature half-classroom pods clad in frosted glass and built-in benches inspired by Galesburg’s rail history.
A renovation of the Hegg Performing Arts Center adds air conditioning, improves acoustics, and reduces seating capacity from 2,200 to 622. Demolition of the balcony allowed expanded cafeterias on both floors. Renovations also create a new servery and a production kitchen that serves the entire district.
Additional work includes a new seventh-grade entrance, facility-wide window replacements, and all-new mechanical and electrical systems.
There are just so many places where kids can go find the avenue that really suits them, to grow in their own learning path.
