Architect hired to design Le Grand High upgrades

An architect has been retained to develop plans for upgrading Le Grand High School’s gymnasium and athletic field. Le Grand voters in June approved Measure N, which authorizes $4.2million in bonds for improvements at the high school campus.

Donna Alley, superintendent of the Le Grand Union High School District, said Darden Architects of Fresno has been hired to create designs for gym improvements and upgrades to the athletic fields and parking lot, particularly in relation to accessibility by the physically disabled.

Alley said $2.1million of the bond funds have been sold. She had no cost estimate for the current upgrade until she meets with the architect in the next week or so. Plans must be sent to the Division of the State Architect for approval before construction can begin.

Trustee Jim Tesone said he fully supports the building program. Needed upgrades to the stadium long have been an issue, he added.

Tesone said bleachers in the school gym need to be replaced for safety reasons. It is difficult for some older people to climb them.

“I know the school needs it,” Tesone said. “All the things we’re doing are very necessary.” He praised Le Grand resident Raymond Giampaoli for his $100,000 donation to construct a new press box at the stadium.

Alley said all costs will come from bond proceeds, as there is no state money available for school construction projects. She also plans to meet with the district’s bond oversight committee.

The bonds last 30 years. The interest rate starts at 2percent and reaches 4.75percent at maturity, Alley said.

This story was originally published October 23, 2014 at 1:07 PM with the headline "Architect hired to design Le Grand High upgrades."