RICHMOND, Va. β Richmond Public Schools' newest project aims to create a premier arts education facility in Central Virginia.
Construction is underway on the new Richmond High School for the Arts, a $140 million facility designed to accommodate approximately 1,800 students.
School leaders and project managers toured the Crutchfield Street construction site next to the existing school on Friday morning. Concrete steps and exposed wiring currently outline what will eventually become bright classrooms and performance spaces.
"This is going to be a state-of-the-art building," Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras.
Construction crews are working six days a week to complete the massive structure, which will be one of the largest schools in the city.
"We are currently working on big structural pieces, particularly the foundations, plumbing and electrical," Kim Wilson, construction project manager, explained. "Once those are in place, we can move to really filling out this building and making it beautiful."
The school will offer diverse arts programming beyond traditional offerings.
"Everything from what you might expect: dance and music and art, but also video and podcasting and so much more that we will be attracting kids from all over," Kamras said.
Patrick Harrel, who recently started as RPS's Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the importance of creating optimal learning environments.
"Making sure that they are in safe and welcoming buildings is incredibly important, and doing that really well, best in class, is something that we can do to help the superintendent and the community think about how to continue to dream big in the way we've done here with this high school," Harrel said.
The new facility will feature high ceilings, a large auditorium, and a courtyard. Kamras noted that while the project is expensive, he believes Richmond students deserve top-quality facilities.
"It's not cheap, but our kids deserve the best, and so we're going to keep fighting for every last dollar," Kamras said. "The city can't do it alone. We need the Commonwealth, frankly, we need the federal government."
Construction is scheduled for completion by winter 2026, when the school plans to welcome its first students.
"This is just a dream moment right now," school board member Stephanie Rizzi said.
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