Los Fresnos News

New Construction the Norm in Los Fresnos

Construction under way for additions to Los Fresnos United, ninth grade campus for the Los Fresnos CISD

Los Fresnos CISD Board of Trustees awarded a $7.6 million construction contract to D. Wilson Construction Co. of McAllen for the first of two expansion phases at the Los Fresnos United campus, located on FM 803 just south of Highway 100.

Funding for the project is included in the district’s 2013-2014 budget, which was approved by trustees Aug. 26.

“We are working within our means to provide for improvement in facilities throughout the district,” Superintendent Gonzalo Salazar said.

 

D. Wilson Construction crews begin work on expansion work at LFCISD campus. Photo: LFN

D. Wilson Construction crews begin work on expansion work at LFCISD campus. Photo: LFN

The first phase, approved by trustees in May, calls for the construction of athletic locker rooms, a band hall, and parking areas to be located west of the existing campus.

The locker rooms, which include an athletic training room, will be constructed adjacent to the locker rooms in the current facility. A new band hall will be constructed at the northwest corner of campus with an additional parking area built between the two new facilities. Also included in the project is an upgrade to the campus chiller plant.

The second phase of the addition will include expansion of classrooms and a Texas Safe Shelter Initiative gymnasium, which will also serve as a community safe room for area residents during emergencies such as hurricanes. The safe room will double as the LFU gymnasium when not in use as a safe room.

The shelter project is awaiting final approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Upon completion of both phases of construction, the Los Fresnos United campus is anticipated to house both ninth and tenth grade students by the fall of 2015.

In anticipation of increased enrollment, Los Fresnos CISD has been coordinating with Texas Department of Transportation on the realignment of FM 803 which will substantially improve traffic flow to and from the campus. The realignment will place the southern tip of FM 803 at U.S. 77-83 at Rancho Viejo, moving it from FM 511 as its stands now.

Other construction projects budgeted for 2013-14 school year include a roof replacement at Los Cuates Middle School, and the expansion of the current welding facility at Los Fresnos High School. The expansion will accommodate the growing demand for welding, which is one of many of the district’s Career and Technical courses leading to state certifications.