What They're Writing About the High School

Pop City Media, an online journal about Pittsburgh that is largely written and edited by Mt. Lebanon residents, has a blurb in its current issue about the possible renovation of Mt. Lebanon High School. The reads, in full:

Mt. Lebanon High School one step closer to major renovation

Three alternative approaches are under review for the long awaited renovation of Mt. Lebanon High School. Designed by Pittsburgh based Celli-Flynn Brennan (CFB) Architects and Planners in collaboration with OWP/P located in Chicago, preliminary estimates ranged from $70-$130 million. PJ Dick Incorporated of Pittsburgh was selected to manage construction and has now completed up to date cost estimates of the three proposals. Findings will be presented at the next community forum Jan. 14 at 7 pm.

“The approaches range from just repairing the existing structure to tearing down and starting from scratch. In the end I think we’ll end up somewhere in the middle,” says Cissy Bowman with the Mt. Lebanon School District.

There is no doubt the high school, which spans 536,000 square feet, is in need of some serious modernization. The oldest section of the school was constructed in 1928 and no work has been done on the facility in over 35 years. Heating and cooling systems are outdated and inefficient and with over 1250 exterior windows and 27 roofs, the building needs increased insulation. The utilities for 2006-2007 cost $974,121 (57% of the District’s heating, cooling, and electricity costs). The building also lacks ADA handicap accessibility and still contains asbestos floor and ceiling tile. New designs focus on sustainability and potential LEED certification.

“There are some tough choices to be made at this juncture,” says Bowman. “Increased taxes are a major concern for some residents, but no one can deny this school is a center of activity for the whole area, not just for students, but alumni and neighbors too.”

Writer: Lauren Urbschat
Source: Cissy Bowman, Director of Communications
Mt. Lebanon School District

Link to the blurb

Link to Pop City