110 years old and counting
Carpenter apprentice Clayton Andres removes siding from East Kensignton Elementary this week, uncovering a century of history.
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Updated: July 02, 2009 4:17 PM
Seismic upgrading on East Kensington Elementary will not only provide earthquake safety, but will also ensure the heritage school is open for many years to come, according to principal Jas Atwal.
The floors and one of the kitchens of the 110-year-old building are being upgraded and modernized, while the original style of the exterior will be maintained.
At a cost of $1.2 million, Atwal said the work – scheduled to be completed by Christmas – will allow the school to keep its doors open for future generations.
Stucco was recently applied overtop the building’s siding – a temporary measure until seismic upgrading can be done and siding can be reinstalled.
“It’s going to restore the same look,” Atwal said of the school at 2795 184 St.
But even if the outside is altered, May Cook, the school’s child and youth care worker, said the integrity will remain.
“No matter what they do to the outside of the building, they’ll never change the heart of the school,” she said. “It’s an amazing little school.
“It’s a little gem in the middle of nowhere.” The school – which has 68 students – saw eight Grade 7s graduate last week.
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