1st phase of constructing new Henry Clay High School is underway. Here’s what we know

The first stage of constructing Lexington’s new Henry Clay High School — removing brush and trees has begun and other construction will be done in phases, according to a letter to families from principal Tony Blackman.

A site image and details he sent to families Feb. 21 said the new building is planned to be completed and ready for students in August 2028, and that the project will be out for bidding in April.

The current aging building had been the subject of many environmental complaints in recent years. Parents have long been asking for a new building.

The school moved to its current Fontaine Road facility in 1970 and underwent a renovation in 2006.

In October 2024, the Herald-Leader reported the estimated cost of a new Henry Clay High School has increased by $34 million, from $151.6 million to $185.6 million The approximately 348,778-square-foot building is to serve 2,300 students.

The new building will be on the Fontaine Road property where the current building sits without interrupting student learning.

Among the new details and timelines:

▪ The brush and tree removal along the west side of the property is about 60 percent complete and will finish in March.

▪ The next phase will begin in June 2025 immediately after the school year ends. The contractor will be starting construction of the new building, the drive on the western side of the property adjacent to the park, installation of a new water line and getting the site ready to have school in August 2025 in the original building.

▪ Construction of the new building and parking lots will continue through 2028 when its expected to be ready for students to move in.

▪ Demolition of the existing building and construction of the new baseball and softball fields will start in June 2028 and continue through 2029.

▪ The entire project is to be completed by summer 2029.

The new Henry Clay High School will maximize its small 38-acre site when compared to Frederick Douglass High School, which has over 60 acres. The new facility will also contain a full medical clinic in partnership with Health First Bluegrass and a storm shelter.

The project also has been designed with many sustainable features, such as a geothermal heat pump system, LED lights and the planting of trees throughout the campus. The new building will be much more energy efficient than the old building, which will save the district money on utilities, officials said.

The design team worked with students, staff and others with the school and district to decide on space requirements and building organization.

There is a main north-south corridor through the school. Instructional spaces are arranged in wings on the west side of the school. Spaces for performing arts and physical education are on the east side.

The main public entrance and administration offices are located on the north end of the building. The kitchen and cafeteria are on the south end of the building.

Parent drop-off will be at a secondary entrance on the east side of the building. A secondary entrance on the south end of the building will be for bus drop-off.

This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 9:11 AM.