Ross Parker, Project Architect with Bassetti Architects for the Sealth remodel now in it's final days, led a tour of about 45 people through the renovated school Wednesday Sept. 1. See our previous coverage here.

The $50 fee the attendees paid will go to assist art programs and other parts of the Sealth curriculum this year.

Debbie Taylor of the Friends of Sealth spoke briefly about her excitement about the changes that have been made and acknowledged her early opposition, but later came to really appreciate the value of what has been done.

Principal John Boyd thanked Irene Stewart and the members of the design and construction team including Project Manager Robert Evans, DKA Architecture, Bassetti Architects and the entire crew for their hard work.

Parker pointed out numerous details and changes that have been made to the structures including the new cloth seats in the 900 seat auditorium, the improved lighting and sound capabilities and expanded stage.

As the crowd entered various sections of the school, people could be heard reacting with surprise and delight at the changes that have been made.

Parker pointed out that the original construction of the school, using "thin shell" concrete made for a challenge in the renovation since the arch structures that comprise much of the look of the school, create natural "pinch points" every thirty feet through which pipes, wiring, and other elements had to pass. It necessitated creating areas in classrooms behind which some of the pipes, conduit and other materials could be hidden.

In the largest structure on the campus, The Galleria, a shared dining space for Sealth and the still under construction Denny Middle School, Parker pointed out that the beams that support the roof was a "perfect case of form following function. We needed a gutter, we needed windows for light and it doesn't so much echo the arch as a pattern as just serve the purpose very well."

The visitors were taken through every area of the remodel and at one point were given a live demonstration of the Smart Boards which now number 26 and have "taken up $15,000 of our discretionary budget. We show them to the teachers who see what the technology can do and they want them." said Boyd.

Athletic Director Sam Reed pointed out that the benches that line the hallways are recycled wood from the old bleachers. The wood was replaned and refinished and finally repurposed.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for Tuesday, Sept 7th at 9:30 a.m. The celebration will conclude at 10:30 a.m. and an
All Community Celebration, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25th at 10:00 a.m.

Refreshments will be served. Please enter at the main Chief Sealth entrance on 2600 SW Thistle Street.

You can see the West Seattle Herald's previous coverage on the school including slideshows and video here and here.