Students of Howell have grown familiar with seeing construction around campus, as the school has been undergoing renovations, additions and demolitions throughout the first quarter of the 2025-2026 year. However, the process is finally nearing its completion.
One of the focal points of the construction on campus has been the new wrestling room, which will also serve as additional storage for athletic equipment.
“It’s going to be interesting to see the new wrestling-multi purpose area because I saw it early on in the process, and I haven’t seen it since,” Assistant Principal Mike Parker said.
Not only will the area serve as space for wrestling practice, but it will also serve as additional practice space for other activities and athletic needs the school may have.
“It’s going to be a great space for kids to practice and improve,” Activities Director Jake Adams said.
With the construction nearing completion, issues in the parking lot are being resolved as well, as space taken up by the workers is starting to clear.
“The parking out front at first was kind of crazy, with people not knowing which angle to park. But now that we’re getting into the year it’s okay,” Parker said.
Out of all the construction, the most visible was by far the demolition of the old Union building, which is finally complete and restoration on the ground is beginning.
“With the destruction of the old Union C building, I think it’s going to be really cool when it’s all finished and out of the way because that’s going to be more of a green space, which is going to bring a better aesthetic to the campus.” Parker said.
Also nearing completion is the new auditorium, which has been under construction since May. After multiple delays, the final touches have finally been added, and it will be ready to use going into December and the new year.
“I think that was a much needed change, because that room was less than ideal, out of date,” Parker said. “It was kind of gross, so the updates there are going to be very welcome. New lighting, new paint, new seating, because before it wasn’t really ADA compliant, so a lot of that will look very nice.”
Overall, the administration seems very excited and optimistic about all of the new opportunities this construction has brought to Howell.
“I think any time we can upgrade spaces that students use, that’s always worth it,” Adams said. “With the new wrestling room, we can improve safety issues we’ve had in the past, and the auditorium is also going to be a great space for students to learn and perform. I’m really excited about both openings.”
