The First Look Inside The New Tewksbury High

Beaming with the pride of a new father, Project Manager Peter Collins led local officials and media members on a tour of the new , Thursday afternoon.

Collins, a senior associate with Heery International, will be completed on schedule and will be ready to open in August.

"It's about 85 percent complete, with everything here, including materials," said Collins.

Participating on the tour, all with the press, were members of the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen.

The tour included a look at some of the classrooms, gymnasium, library, cafeteria, and auditorium.

The gymnasium will seat 1,225 fans and features one main basketball court and three intermediate courts that can be separated for tournament or recreational league use. There is a chance the gym could be used for future TMHS graduations.

The auditorium/theater features seating for 690 and the stage has a spacious backstage area for work on theatrical productions. School Committee member Jayne Miller said the design for the auditorium was a combination of "the best of Hudson (High) and the best of Wellesley (High)." She said the same designed was responsible for both.

The design for the new Tewksbury High is based largely on the design of Hudson high.

Some of the more unique characteristics of the complex include "airport style" restrooms for students, shared "prep" areas behind science and art classrooms, a TV studio and two oversized lecture halls that can accommodate three or four classes meeting together.

The entire complex features copious amounts of glass for maximum natural lighting. This ties in with numerous "green" features that add to the energy efficiency of the school and guarantee an additional two percent reimbursement from the state.