News Summary

Omaha’s Westside High School is undergoing a significant expansion with the Westside Life Complex project. This 70,000 square foot addition will introduce a new swimming pool, an expanded library, and a college readiness center. Funded entirely by private donations, the Westside Foundation has raised $26 million of its $34 million goal. Significant community engagement and hands-on student experiences are part of this ambitious project, set for completion by May 2026. The expansion not only enhances educational facilities but also strengthens community ties.

Big Changes Coming to Westside High School in Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska, is buzzing with excitement as Westside High School kicks off a monumental expansion project known as the Westside Life Complex. This ambitious venture is set to make waves on the school’s campus, adding a whopping 70,000 square feet of new space on the east side. It’s a big leap forward for both students and the community!

What’s New in the Complex

The new complex is more than just a few extra classrooms. Picture this: a brand-new swimming pool that will replace the outdated facility, an expanded library for those who love to dive into books, and even a college readiness center to help students gear up for their future. Tailored learning spaces are also part of the plan, aiming to create a learning environment that suits every student’s needs. It’s an exciting time for those at Westside!

The Vision Behind the Build

Elizabeth Power, who heads up communication and engagement for Westside Community Schools, has confirmed that this extensive project will not only rebuild but also significantly expand the current facilities. The funding for this initiative is impressive and entirely comes from private donations. So far, the Westside Foundation has raised an incredible $26 million towards its $34 million goal.

A Hands-On Experience for Students

Enhancing Connections and Opportunities

The updated facilities aim not just to improve education but also to build stronger community connections. The expansion will increase usable space in the school by nearly 50%, which is fantastic for accommodating more students and providing better resources.

Voices from the Future

Junior William Cartwright, who is a proud member of the swim team, is particularly excited about the new swimming pool. He fondly reminisced about the limitations of the former facility, mentioning how thrilling it was to see new locker rooms and showers on the construction tour. Meanwhile, fellow junior Ryan Kelly has been keeping tabs on the project; he relishes hearing the sounds of progress at the site, where steel beams, stadium seating, and the pool’s form are coming to life.

Looking Ahead: The Timeline

The construction team is on a schedule, aiming to have the pool and the exterior of the building wrapped up by the end of October 2025, with full completion of the entire project expected by May 2026. This timeline should create plenty of excitement and anticipation among students and the community alike!

More Than Just a Pool

The Westside Life Complex will also feature state-of-the-art facilities like additional classrooms, an innovation lab, and a weight room. There’s a lot to look forward to! Kelly mentioned the idea of watching swim competitions in the new facilities, a prospect that stirs up enthusiasm among the student body.

In Conclusion

The story of Westside High School’s expansion is one of progress and potential. As construction continues, the buzz continues to build, and soon enough, the students will have access to these exciting new facilities designed to enhance their educational experience. It’s a thrilling time in Omaha, and all eyes are on Westside High School!

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