Houghton Portage High School addition dedicated by community
HOUGHTON -- The start of 2010 brought an end to a $10 million addition at the Houghton Portage Township High School. Parents and educators cut the ribbon on the new facility on Saturday, which was applauded for its energy efficiency.
"The timing of this for us, was perfect," said Superintendent Bill Polkinghorne. "The bond issue passed. At the time that we went for bids was perfect timing because a lot of contractors were looking for work. We got some excellent prices."
The space includes a new band room, complete with sound proofing panels and a new high school gymnasium. New technology and energy saving measures were also put into place throughout the building, including a new roof.
Members of the school board estimate they'll save three million dollars in utility costs over the next decade.
"The neat thing is this energy conservation project, if the savings aren't what was promised by the company, they will write a check for the difference so it's a win, win," said School Board Treasurer, Nels Christopherson. "We're going to win."
A representative from Johnson Controls, the company that designed the project, awarded the district as the most energy efficient of any project they've worked on across the country this year.
Saturday morning, school officials learned they're one of 28 high schools in Michigan to earn the energy star rating by the U.S. Department of Energy.
While several parents and students toured the new facility today, the boys' basketball team will use it for the first time next week.
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