Cape High expansion ahead of schedule

The $16 million expansion at Cape High is ahead of schedule and on budget, said Cape Director of Capital Projects Brian Bassett July 30.

Construction began in December 2019 on the two-story, 37,000-square-foot project that runs parallel to Kings Highway and is expected to be complete by fall 2021.

“However, we are far ahead of schedule thanks to our construction manager Richard Y. Johnson and all our contractors,” Bassett said. “We will have the building ready for use much earlier than planned.”

Bassett said he will have a better idea on the exact date the expansion will be ready around October, after district officials finalize furniture delivery options and other miscellaneous items.

“It will be ready at some point this school year,” Bassett said.

The expansion will hold up to 400 students in 20 classrooms and four Consortium spaces, and it includes more cafeteria space. A new courtyard area between the expansion and a new connector to the existing building will have a small collaborative area, Bassett said.

Bassett said work on the connector and the cafeteria expansion began earlier than planned, so both should be complete before the first day of school in 2021.  

Cape High grad Bryan Williams of ABHA Architects in Wilmington designed the expansion, which will blend with the mansard roof and stone-and-brick facade of the original building.