From planning to production: Ground to be broken soon on new high school

It won't be long before signs of a new Sun Prairie High School will be visible along Highway N.

The School District has scheduled the ceremonial groundbreaking for June 4. (Watch Sun Prairie Today for details.)

Here are some additional developments:

The house on the land where the school will be built will be demolished within the next month, and major earth moving is anticipated to begin this summer.

Energy efficiency is a key component of the new building and expected to result in $210,000-$245,000 in rebates from local utilities. Plans include a geo-thermal heat and cooling system, ventilation demand controls for the gym and auditorium, high-efficiency windows, increased wall insulation and day lighting in classrooms.

The School District has reached an agreement with the City to lease five acres of parkland, on which it will construct eight tennis courts and a soccer field.

The School District and Sun Prairie Youth Hockey Association are close to an agreement that would allow both entities to share parking and other utilities.

Planning also continues for the current high school to be converted to an 8-9 junior high. The majority of the building will be closed during summer while construction in under way. However, the gyms and office will remain open.