From the Ground Up: Nixa Junior High renovation and additions

Owner: Nixa Public Schools
General contractor: DeWitt & Associates
Architect: Dake Wells Architecture Inc.
Engineers: Shaffer & Hines Inc., civil; RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, structural; and True Engineering Group LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 19,300 square feet
Estimated cost: $5 million
Funding source: Voter-approved bond
Estimated completion: Fall 2026
Project description: Work underway at Nixa Junior High was made possible with the April 2023 voter approval of a $45 million no-tax-increase bond issue. The three-part junior high portion of the list of bond projects includes an 1,800-square-foot classroom renovation, a 7,500-square-foot addition of weight and exercise spaces and the renovation of a 10,000-square-foot theater, constructed in 1985. The classroom renovation includes the infill of three classrooms and a science lab where the former weight room was once located. The Illumination Theater is designed to incorporate new finishes for the lobby, auditorium and stage, as well as a new drop-off and entry canopy. New seating, theatrical rigging and audiovisual systems are also in the works.