Big changes ahead: New Hanover HS to undergo $230M multi-phase renovation project

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — Big changes are coming to the New Hanover County High School off Market Street. The school board voted today on a new master plan outlining options for the school’s future.

One option involved building the brand new high school on a 70-acre site costing $280 million. The second option involved a hybrid approach projected at $230 million which would involve several phases across 12 years.

Melissa Mason, board chairperson for New Hanover County Schools said the hybrid approach would be the better option for the high school

“We can’t do all of it in one fell swoop, we have to be able to take small bites of it,” Mason said. “The hybrid plan does that with small bites and addresses, first and fore most for me, going on that campus and seeing some of the safety concerns.”

The school board voted unanimously on the hybrid approach of the master plan. The hybrid plan’s first phase will focus on perimeter security improvements and new construction. Additional phases will renovate existing buildings and add learning spaces. The district has not announced when these renovations will begin.