An inspection turned up structural issues in the north gym and auditorium, which were then closed “to ensure safety for students and staff. Alternative accommodations were made for impacted programs,” Tucson Unified School District officials said.
The project’s estimated expense of $922,000 is grant-funded by the Arizona Department of Administration School Facilities under a Building Renewal Grant.
The Building Renewal Grant fund was established to maintain the adequacy of existing school facilities. School districts may apply for these monies to fund primary building renewal projects. Those include major renovations and repairs of a building, upgrades to building systems that will maintain or extend the useful life of a building and for infrastructure costs.
At Rincon, which opened in 1958, rafter coverings and gutters will be removed and replaced. Temporary roofing will protect the work until a new permanent roof can be installed.
The gym, along with three sides of the auditorium, have cracked bricks, which will be replaced or sealed.
The auditorium, which features tongue and groove decking, has sustained water damage. The decking will be demolished and replaced.
Rincon, at 421 N. Arcadia Ave., shares its campus with University High School.
TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo said the project will begin immediately and that the district aims to have the facilities ready for use by spring break 2024.
Durazo Construction Corp has been selected as general contractor. The district emailed a request for qualifications to 296 vendors. Eight vendors submitted bids for the project. On Tuesday the TUSD Governing Board unanimously approved contracting with Durazo.
Project architect is Breckenridge Group of Tucson.
Additional work is planned for the Rincon High/University High School campus, paid for by the bond issue approved by voters in November 2023. Among those improvements are $2.75 million in gym renovations and $200,000 for interior lights in the auditorium and stage area.
