Dear Davis Alumni and Friends:
On Thursday, April 7, 2016, I attended a Davis community meeting that provided an update of the Davis build out and was facilitated by Principal Julissa Alcantar-Martinez. Present were Trustee Anna Eastman, HISD administrators, and architects of the project. Unfortunately, attendance was sparse. Those who were there received a fairly comprehensive report of the project and ultimately what Davis will look like in the Fall of 2018, which is the projected completion date.
As per HISD: Under the bond preprogram that was passed in 2012 by voters, Davis will receive a complete renovation of the 1926 building to bring it up to modern learning standards while preserving the historic architecture. Other features include two additions that will showcase the school’s culinary arts and performing arts programs and create an improved exterior aesthetic.
If you have not passed by Davis, the entire block that borders Fulton and Tackaberry has been cleared and will become the parking lot of the school. As mentioned, there will be a new culinary and science wing on the west side and a new fine arts wing on the east side. The existing back parking lot will become the bus and car loading and unloading. Other features include: upgraded locker room areas for athletics, technology upgrades, new mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, safety and security upgrades with new fencing, cameras and defined entrances, and a community access area for after-school events located in the new fine arts wing.
The build out will be in three stages and there will be no student displacements. It is very possible that temporary buildings will be placed in the new parking lot area while construction takes place in areas of Davis that are being built or renovated. As stated, the completion date is scheduled for Fall of 2018. If you wish to read more about the build out, please go to the HISD website, HoustonISD.org/Bond.
Click here for a preview of architectural designs for Jeff Davis build-out that was presented by the IBI Group at the community meeting.
Sincerely,
Arnie Hinojosa
Bea Jacobs Rouse
Jefferson Davis High School – “Timeless Forever”