"The new performing arts building and complex will complement the robust visual and performing arts program at LHHS and serve as a crown jewel not only for the students, but also for the parents and community.”
Joe Calderon, Project Architect
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday, January 10th launching the construction of La Habra High School's new Performing Arts Center. The project is a continuation of the Measure I bond passed in November of 2014 allowing Fullerton Joint Union High School District to upgrade aging facilities in order to accommodate student programs. Construction of a theater at La Habra High School was an obvious choice as students were traveling over 20 miles to a remote site to showcase their performances.
The District envisioned a high-tech facility on the high school’s campus fully equipped with features unique to their performing arts program. The new Performing Arts Center will serve as a beacon to the surrounding community by drawing patrons and supporters of the arts, and giving students the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas between various school programs and student cultures.
The design will include a promenade that links existing buildings with the new facility and enhances the accessibility to the Performing Arts Complex. The complex will showcase a main theater that accommodates 620 audience members with a supporting scene shop, costume storage, dressing rooms, concession stand, and ticket booth. The additional features will provide students with the opportunity to learn in new contexts, stimulate imagination and critical thinking, and connect with an enriched community.
The modernization of LHHS also includes an upgrade to their athletic field, turning it into a sports complex with an artificial turf field, concession building, and home bleachers seating 4,000. Construction for both projects is estimated to take 18 months and scheduled to be completed by summer of 2019.
“This project conveyed to me the amount of team involvement required to complete a project of this complexity. From the sheer amount of theater rigging and accoutrements to the chairs and doors there was a level of dedication and effort from the team to make sure we provide the best project possible. But seeing how excited and grateful the students and teachers are for this much-needed project gives credence to all that effort.”