By Felix Hoover

For YourNewsColumbus.com

 

A sneak preview of Souh High School on Tuesday showed renovation work on pace for the buidling to reopen in the fall.

 

Schools Superintendent Gene T. Harris led a media tour of the building, along with Principal Johnetta D.Wiley and Project Manager Alex Trevino.

 

The $32.1 million renovation project is part of the bond package passed in 2002.

 

The changes are expected to enhance the educational experience not only because things will be new, but also because students can see that the community values them by investing in them, Harris said.

 

Efforts have been made to retain the character of the neoclassical-style building, while bringing it up to modern standards that accommodate the latest technology.

 

Lighting activated by motion sensors is among the energy-efficiency upgrades

 

The builiding, at 1160 Ann Street, dates to 1923. An addition made in 1975 has been removed and replaced by separate gymnasium and cafeteria spaces.

 

Work is to begin on a new fieldhouse and an eight-lane, 400-meter track. A new softball field is to be built at the former Barrett Middle School, the original South High, where students have attended the past two years.

 

Wiley, a multisport assistant coach before she entered administration, said, "I want to bring back the powerhouse we used to have."