New schools going up in Provo

PROVO — Two new schools, on schedule and on budget, will welcome around 1,200 students in the Provo School District this fall — and there will even be a park to play in soon.

Officials with the Provo District and city of Provo toured the construction sites of the new Timpanogos Elementary and Lakeview Elementary schools on Wednesday afternoon.

"We want a high-quality school that is also a bargain for the taxpayer," said Provo District Superintendent Randall J. Merrill.

The two new schools are part of the district's $35 million bond referendum, which voters approved in June 2006.

The old 1938 Timpanogos Elementary, 449 N. 500 West, Provo, is being replaced by a three-story modern structure.

Demolition began last June, with construction ensuing shortly after, in August. The project is expected to be finished by Oct. 15 this year. District

officials are predicting 600 students for the school.

The 69,000-square-foot school will cost $10,400,000. The building was designed by Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects out of Salt Lake City.

October was the original completion date for the project. The weather didn't cooperate, but work is on schedule, district officials said.

"It was a bad winter. We brought in heated tents and worked with it," said Jim Page, district projects manager.

Lakeview Elementary School, 2899 W. 1390 North, Provo, is a $10,870,000 one-story structure that spreads out to take up 74,000 square feet. Construction began in February 2007. Doors will open in time for an estimated 620 students this fall. The building was designed by Sandstrom Architects of Orem.

Lakeview Elementary principal Drew Daniels led the city and district dignitaries on a tour through the school, which is awaiting furniture. He said the building seems empty and he is excited to welcome the children in a few months. "You put some kids in it this fall and this will be a really special place," he said.

Earth-colored bricks of different textures line the hallways. The floors are designed with lake-like colors of blue, green and brown. "We try and create a building to match the decor of the neighborhood," said Phil Lott, district director of facilities. The area is near Utah Lake.