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Planetarium in the worksDistrict lists new science^ • I * • * V —■«* * * ■ . * • ' -* . * * ‘ '« 1 _ * * , - v - „ *-M 0 r ' * ’ ' * • - . - • -sL. --if ..An exciting, ambitious expansion program for Port Neches-Groves High School science department has been unveiled for study by the district’s board of trustees.The plan prepared by Lynn Hardin of White Budd VanNess Partnership will• m ■ '*'*4 3 * b M T —A ' 4add four new biology labs to the presentbuilding plus revamping the existing chemistry and physics labs.A science lecture auditorium which can also be used as a planetarium will be a special feature of the proposed new science facilities.A feature of the new science wing will be an elevator for the use of handicapped and temporarily disabled students. A small greenhouse will be located on the second floor.Two restrooms are included in this area of the building and a proposed gate that would shut off the meeting room, area kitchen and restrooms from the main part of the library for night meetings.The front entrance of the building would be moved to the Merriman Street side of the building with the Avenue C side having the delivery door leading to the work area, mechanical and maintenance of the building.Angle parking along the MerrimanNew construction will also include the installation of fire doors to isolate the science area. The plan calls for separate specimen storage rooms for the labs and better security and ventilation in existingfacilities. The completed facilities will include separate lecture areas within the Ubs. _ „The planetarium which has been planned for use by the entire school district can be. used as a 130-seat lecture room. A 20 foot radius dome would be suspended inside. Retractable chalk boards, rear projection and a controlled sound system will be features of the facility which Hardin terms “a first class planetarium.”Hardin suggested to the board that the first floor construction and a portion of the second be considered as the first phase of the project. This could be started in this fall and continued throughout the 1978-79 school year he said.Renovation of the existing building could be under taken as the second phase. This work could be done the next summer or at a later date with science students using the new facilities until the refurbishing program is completed.Hardin received input from the administration and science faculity in planning the proposed expansion program. He is a graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School.Hardin added that the planetarium could be completed when equipment ispurchased for it.Dr. Oliver P. Monk, superintendent, told the trustees that he had asked Hardin to present the total project so that board members could look at it in its entirety and see how to progress.He added that he felt it was appropriate for the trustees to look at the program in phases, adding that the planetarium could be used initially as an auditorium and equipped later.Monk stressed that the district would only be able to do the work “so fast” and that June of 1979 would be the earliest time the renovation phase could start. By then the new facilities could be used to house the science program until the renovation phase is completed, he added.Total cost of the proposed expansion and renovation program would be an estimated $1,076,600 allowing for escalation.Cost of the new science wing would be an estimated $785,100 including laboratory equipment, the planetarium dome and lighting.The renovation program would cost an estimated $184,000 and also includes laboratory equipment. Cost of completion of the planetarium would be an estimated $107,500 with the major portion of this to be for planetarium equipment.The superintendent added that Hardin’s plans present “lots of possibilities as to design adjustments.” “We want it done right - even ~:z back on what we do at one time,” Monk concluded.
Newspaper Details
Port Neches Chronicle
Port Neches, Texas, US
Wed, Jun 21, 1978
Page 1
Full Page
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Anonymous
USA 26 Apr 2020
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