$40 million renovation project begins at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. (WPVI) -- The ceremonial groundbreaking Monday marked the start of a major makeover for Plymouth Whitemarsh High School.

"I feel that some parts of it do need to be updated," rising junior Chris Johnson said.

"Being a graduate from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, you see the same lockers and hallways we had 20 years ago. It's great to really have a facility that matches the quality of education we provide our students," principal Dr. Jason Bacani said.

The $40 million renovation will modernize the high school, but it will also create some issues for learning.

Dr. Bacani says they have been talking to parents and students about exactly what will happen and when to ensure class time is not interrupted.

"I think we hit all the communication vehicles to be proactive and let them know ahead of time and the safety and areas of concern and make sure instruction isn't impacted. Do the best we can with that," Bacani said.

The big first project includes turning a courtyard into one large cafeteria which was a top priority for the students

"We've taken polls of the student body, we've held meetings and all our major topics and what the students need are being represented," Johnson said.

The new eating area will feature a mall style food court complete with an outdoor eating area for when it's nice.

"Everyone has cell phones and portable devices now, so we wanted to incorporate power stations so kids can power their equipment during downtime," Joe Messmer of GKO Architects said.

The cafeteria should be finished by March of next year.

The remaining projects will take longer; many dealing with the internal bones of the school including adding air conditioning.

The entire construction project is expected to be completed in time for students for the 2017-2018 school year.