Article by Phoenix writer Olivia Rinaldi ’23:
In its continued effort to improve the building and campus over the last couple of years in order to ensure the development and growth of its student body, Kellenberg is undertaking the initial stages of construction outside on Luke field for the brand new Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics (FCAA).
At 60,000 square feet, this state of the art center will house various rooms especially equipped for firebirds to engage in their athletics and activities. New gymnasiums, a bowling alley, dance and cheerleading rooms, a golf simulator, and band and orchestra rooms will all be found in this building.
Mr. Kenneth Conrade, who has been a leading voice of this project, says his hope is “that this building will add to the pride and legacy of Firebirds.”
The project has been in discussion for over five years with every intention of creating a place that will expand Kellenberg’s facilities and many of its programs. The center will prove to be beneficial to all students as it will be a place for exponential growth for not only the music department and athletic teams but for those who do not participate in an activity housed within the center.
Various retreats, school masses, and clubs such as mock trial, model UN, and speech and debate are going to utilize the building in its full capacity. In addition, speeches, alumni reunions and guest speakers will be accommodated in the center.
Although to students the start of construction may have happened relatively quickly, breaking ground on Luke Field came with extensive amounts of planning and replanning. The idea of utilizing Mark Field for the construction process was originally spoken about but the idea soon turned into creating what is now the Senior Parking Lot.
Different proposals were discussed before targeting Luke field as the location for the new FCAA. Since the start of construction in November, the FCAA has had an expected completion date of summer 2024 and is staying on schedule.
The addition of the new building to campus has proven useful even before it has been used. A Senior Seminar that will give insight into the world of construction will be held opportunity as a school community to share the learning experience of an “out of ground ” construction project.
This unique Senior Seminar is designed to give students the experience of a survey course Introduction to Construction and Project Management, along with an introduction to all the related career opportunities in Engineering, Architecture and Project Development. The program, spanning over the months of May and June will be a hybrid learning style of both classroom instruction and onsite field visits. This program, according to Seminar Instructor Mr. Conrade, will be “a truly beneficial and unique opportunity!”
So far an exciting 30 members of the senior class have shown interest in the seminar while juniors are being offered a “comparable opportunity in the fall of 2023.”
The inclusion of the brand new FCAA will provide students with the exciting opportunity to expand their interests and talents. This new center will become a staple of the Kellenberg community.