Asheville City Schools families and staff received an update on progress at the new Isaac Dickson Elementary School on May 6 from Charlie Glazener, communications director for ACS.
Here is a brief update and a photo from today of our new Isaac Dickson facility, which, like the Middle School, is nearing completion. By the way, you are cordially invited to attend a festive grand opening at Isaac Dickson on Saturday morning, September 10. Look for details later this summer along with info soon on the new AMS grand opening. Both will be really special events.
Isaac Dickson Elementary was designed by the team of local firm Legerton Architecture and Raleigh-based Innovative Design, with Miles-McClellan Construction serving as the construction manager. The project ran into an unanticipated mountain of underground debris in 2014, causing a six-month delay as well as an additional $2.98M in project expenses. Final cost of this energy-efficient and uniquely designed school will be just below $23M.
The Buncombe County Commision (taxpayers) is funding most of the costs for our two new schools. We are grateful.
The project is now undergoing ‘punch list’ items as well as well as wrapping up landscaping on the 17-acre site. We plan to open Isaac Dickson on Monday, August 29 at or near its 525-student capacity. Students, teachers, staff and families will find large classrooms, a beautiful media center, specialized classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, a greenhouse, garden and small amphitheater and a very functional cafeteria, kitchen and gymatorium. The school’s green features include daylighting, geothermal heating/cooling, and rainwater collection. Oh yeah, 65-million-year-old dinasour relics, too.
Have a good weekend!
Charlie
Thank you Brad Johnson (principal) for a job well done. You are a great asset to the Dickson school and our community.