$143M project to replace Springfield’s historic Gerena School

You're watching 22 News at 6 a $143 million project to replace the Horena Community School in Springfield has received approval from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 22 News reporter Sarah Bien-Aimé joins us live in the studio with what this means for students and families. Claire the MSBA invested close to a billion dollars in Springfield over the years and this project is just one example of that commitment. Horena Community School has been a part of Springfield's North End for decades, but the building, constructed in 1975, has faced years of concerns. Leakage. It's an unusual type building as well. Classrooms have no walls between the building. Another major concern is this public tunnel that runs through the current building, despite the buzzer system being in place. And that... It was built many, many, many decades ago with some sort of an agreement. It was etched in stone. There was no getting around it. We could not just close the tunnel. A useful tunnel many locals are now upset about losing access to. A pool, having a planetarium. Which was something that, you know, is special about Arena. You know, I went to Arena my whole life. Now that a $143 million project is moving forward, district leaders say the investment will be meaningful for the community. Projects like these where other cities may need to go to taxpayers, they're fortunate here in Springfield not to have to do that. Thanks to state grants, this project is nearly 100% paid for, with students and teachers having more room to succeed too. Right now has about 600 students. This facility that we're, that new build is going to be 124,000 square feet and is estimated to hold 854 students. Once funding and construction details are finalized, the new school will open on Chestnut Street. It's actually more accessible. In addition to that, we continue to move along the timeline. There will be more opportunities for folks to engage as well. Now updates on this project will be shared through the district's website. Working for you, Sarah Bename, 22 News.