News That matters - Ironwood's Daily News Source

LLW Construction On Time!

IRONWOOD - Contrary to rumors that are floating around the Ironwood area, the new addition to Luther L Wright will be completed in time for the move during the Christmas break.

Superintendent, Tim Kolesar "absolutely guaranteed" it to me during my recent visit to Superintendent's Office.

Tim gave me a quick tour of the construction area where I took some photos of the new facilities, that also include some renovation of the existing first floor.

I have to say that I was pleasingly surprised at what will be the new digs for Ironwood's elementary school students. The new addition and the the other changes are much, much nicer than I had expected. Viewing the new area, even with the finishing work still ahead, I felt that the final product is going to be much better than the architect's renderings.

I supported this addition and renovation just I supported LLW renovation eight years ago. Personally, I am happy to see my tax dollars going to the benefit of our school kids as it has in these two restoration and improvement programs.

above and below, the new gymnasium is large enough to handle both a boys class and a girls class simultaneously. The will be a dividing curtain that will split this fantastic gym into two sections. While some people may question the need for the gym, we should remember that the kids are indoors during much of the school year. Also, after visiting the Fun "n" Frolic at Norrie Friday afternoon it was quite obvious tha a larger gym space was needed.

above - finally, a new music room that is large enough and properly set up for our young musicians. Below, one of five section practice rooms that will help fill the needs of our excellent music program.

above - the new shop. There will be lathes, milling machines and other equipment in this facility. The best of the old shop equipment is being moved into this room. The old shop and vocational area on the first floor is large enough that it is being converted into three new classrooms. Such a deal!

Really, the changes are terrific and parents and grand-parents alike are going to be excited about sending their kids to this 3-12 school.

The interior light well will serve as teacher space and special ed. faciltyhe light well has had structural steel installed all the way up to the third floor, allowing for the possibility of additional space when needed.

above is what I believe to be the old theater (?) it is going to be the new third grade classroom, or not.

above is the computer and media room, created by reutilization of old space made possible by the new addition. The wiring is ready waiting for the new dropped ceilings. The rooms that I visited that already had the dropped ceilings were great and will much improve both lighting and acoustics.