A new science building at Granite Hills High School in El Cajon has been constructed.
The one-story, $4.95 million science center is 15,955 square feet and will comprise eight classrooms for the chemistry, biology and physics departments. It will also have room for two laboratory preparation rooms and administrative and teaching offices.
“The anticipation of moving into a new beautiful, state-of-the-art facility is a dream come true for our staff and students,” said Dena Johnson, district planner of the Grossmont Union High School District. “A couple of teachers decided not to retire last year with the desire to teach one year in this great teaching environment.”
The science building will have exterior plaster elevations blended with complementary earth tones and operable windows. The interior also has an open spacious feel with natural lighting, pendant lighting and high sloping ceilings.
All classrooms are filled with cherry stained maple laboratory casework and topped with black epoxy chemical-resistant counter tops.
Erickson-Hall Construction led the project as the lease-leaseback contractor.
Construction started in December of last year and took nine months to finish.
Architect Ruhnau Ruhnau Clarke designed the science center. Project engineers were GSSI Structural Engineers, LSW Engineers and RBF Consulting.
The Erickson-Hall project team included, Mat Gates, construction manager; Rick Osgood, project manager; Mark Ott, superintendent; Jessie Grossman, assistant superintendent; and Emily Geldin-Meyers, administrative coordinator.
In addition, more than 30 subcontracting companies were hired for the project.