In a significant stride towards the future, the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute is set to undergo a transformative renovation. The latest updates, shared in a communication on November 16, 2023, shed light on the crucial aspect of the renovation process – the swing space. This temporary school building, essential during the renovation, will see both Western High School and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute utilizing the Northwestern building consecutively.
The chosen approach, Systemic Renovation with Phasing, outlines a strategic timeline for the swing space. Western High School is scheduled to occupy the Northwestern building from Summer 2026 to Summer 2028, making a return to its newly renovated facility for the 2028/2029 school year. Following suit, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute will utilize the swing space from Summer 2028 to Summer 2030, with a return to its updated facility for the 2030/2031 school year.
Several factors influenced this decision, emphasizing the benefits for both school communities:
Adequate Facilities: The Northwestern building offers ample space and facilities, including appropriately sized classrooms, common areas, sports fields, and indoor athletic facilities, including a pool.
Efficient Timeline: With a two-year occupancy for each school, the approach minimizes disruption to the educational experience, ensuring a quicker return to the newly renovated facilities.
No Portables Needed: The chosen swing location eliminates the need for portable classrooms, fostering a more comfortable and conducive learning environment for all students.
Optimized Investment: Sharing the swing location maximizes the investment in the temporary space, creating a cohesive community during the renovation period.
To facilitate a smooth transition and keep construction on schedule, Western High School will be the first to swing to the Northwestern building in 2026. This decision, influenced by the school’s smaller size and absence of specific spaces like Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas, aims to streamline the project’s phases.
With the final feasibility study now concluded, the project advances into the design phase. The school community will play an active role during this stage, with opportunities to view draft designs, provide direct feedback, and pose questions to the designers. A project update meeting is anticipated in late Spring 2024.
For any inquiries or to share thoughts, contact Ivy McNeill, Senior Program Coordinator for Community Engagement & Public Relations, at IDMcNeill01@bcps.k12.md.us. Stay informed about the project by visiting baltimore21stcenturyschools.org.
As the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute embraces this new era of renovation, the commitment to enhancing the educational experience remains at the forefront. The collective enthusiasm and cooperation of the school community are pivotal as the institute paves the way for a brighter future.
