When will Northwest ISD construction end? Here are updates on four district projects
Northwest High School, at 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, recently gave students access to this courtyard, which was finished during spring break with landscaping such as small trees and artificial grass. The whole building will be completed in summer 2025. (Courtesy | Northwest ISD)
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With Northwest ISD expecting an influx of more than 18,000 students by 2033, construction is inevitable, district officials have said.
The district, which covers 234 square miles in far north Fort Worth and 13 other cities and communities, including in Denton and Wise counties, is booming with development.
Currently, 64 subdivisions are under construction. Groundwork is underway on nearly 6,000 lots, and other infrastructure besides houses is planned.
After a 2021 bond infused $737.5 million and a 2023 bond funneled nearly $2 billion to the district for construction projects and technology updates, the district got to work addressing the growing demand.
Here’s an update on current projects in the district:
Northwest High School renovations:
2301 Texan Drive, Northlake
Funded by the 2021 bond, focused on adding a cosmetology wing, new gym, band practice lot, outdoor courtyard, renovated classrooms and a library.
Gymnasium frame completely constructed; gym floor and locker rooms are upcoming projects.
Scheduled completion by summer 2025.
The passage of the district’s $737.5 million bond in 2021 funded renovations and additions to its oldest high school, Northwest High School.
The school’s current campus was built in 1988.
On Wednesday, students were given access to the school’s new outdoor courtyard, said Tommy Osborne, the district’s executive director of construction.
By next school year, students will learn in renovated fine arts and special education classrooms and have access to a new library and athletics areas.
Work at the high school is scheduled to finish by summer 2025 with the completion of the cosmetology area, Osborne said.
The district’s Cosmetology Academy, which is currently housed at James M. Steele Early College High School in Roanoke, will move to Northwest High School when construction is completed.
The district budgeted $160.3 million for the project, though final costs will change due to inflation and cost escalations.
Pike Middle School replacement
2250 Texan Drive, Justin
New school to open for 2024-25 school year; most work already done on exterior sightwork and final interior touches.
Interior collaboration spaces and outdoor courtyard near completion.
Old building to be mostly demolished for parking; gym retained.
Project expected to be 90% complete by school year’s end.
The new Pike Middle School, which was also funded by the district’s 2021 bond, will replace the existing campus almost entirely.
Scheduled to open for the 2024-25 school year, the new building is next to the existing building’s current location.
Once the 2023-24 school year ends at Pike Middle School’s existing campus, district crews will move everything into the new building.
“I really think we’re going to be waiting for the school year to end in order to move everything in,” Osborne said. “I’m really pleased with how our builders have attacked this project.”
The district budgeted $94.6 million for the project, though final costs will change due to inflation and cost escalations.
Perrin Elementary School
1073 Canyon Maple Drive, Justin
Construction started July 2023 to relieve crowding at Clara Love Elementary.
Unique brickwork features are laid on the exterior and interior.
Scheduled to open for 2024-25 school year.
Main uncompleted area: a large porch.
Construction of the district’s 23rd elementary school, Perrin Elementary, began in July 2023.
The school was funded by the 2023 bond to alleviate crowding at the district’s Clara Love Elementary School. In 2022-23, Clara Love Elementary enrolled 762 students.
The building’s frame is already complete, Osborne said. Bricks have been overlaid on the sides of the school’s exterior and on walls inside the school, which is unique to Perrin Elementary.
“The architects give each one of these schools their own character with some of these finishes,” Osborne said.
The campus, which will have large porches overlooking the district’s far-stretching land and housing developments, is scheduled to open for the 2024-25 school year.
The biggest area on campus yet to be bricked: one of those porches. The building will cost the district $51.6 million.
New Northwest ISD Administration Building
2001 Texan Drive, Justin
Funded due to district expansion.
Funding was approved in the 2021 bond; inflation and cost escalation forced another vote in 2023 to approve construction.
Construction just recently began, with parking lot work underway.
Completion expected between spring and summer break of 2025-26.
The new Northwest ISD administration building will be located where the district’s former administration building was at 2001 Texan Drive.
The old building was torn down last year, and since then, district staff are temporarily working out of the former Hatfield Elementary School next door.
“Over the past 20 years, Northwest ISD has added millions of square feet of instructional space and 0 square feet of district office space,” district spokesperson Anthony Tosie said.
The building is scheduled for completion between next year’s spring and summer breaks. It will cost $51.6 million.
Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at matthew.sgroi@fortworthreport.org or @MatthewSgroi1 on X. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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