Bakersfield High School staff and students alike are growing excited as the renovations of the iconic Warren Hall reach a significant milestone– new walkways are almost complete and the indoor changes will begin this summer.
This stage of the project is crucial, as it sets the foundation for the outcome and brings it one step closer to completion.
“By the end of fall of 2025, they should be done with the renovation of Warren Hall. This modernization of Warren Hall will successfully transform the historic building into something modern. This project stands as a testament to BHS’s dedication to embracing the future of campus while honoring its rich history,” Alicia Olejnik, BHS Assistant Principal of Instruction, said in an interview.
The construction continues
The construction team has laid down cement, and the plan is to create new walkways by September. This will help with the congestion as students enter and exit Warren.
The construction has resulted in the temporary closure of one westbound lane on California Avenue.
“Due to the ongoing work on Warren Hall, the sidewalk and lane closest to WH (highlighted in yellow) on California Ave will be closed as shown in the image below starting next week and will last for a few weeks. These changes will affect the campus traffic patterns, so please plan accordingly,” Roberto De La Rosa, temporary Assistant Principal of Administration, wrote in an email to BHS staff.
The internal modernization of Warren is scheduled to start in August. Students and staff have questioned where the classes will be moved, and the administration has a plan.
Everyone will be moved out in an orderly manner, and it will be done one wing of the building at a time. The renovation will begin with the three floors that make up the south wing; this includes all of the classrooms that face California Ave.
“They’re going to start with the south wing, and put all those teachers in portables by the senior parking lot so they can refresh and remodel [those rooms],” Olejnik said.
The north wing will be completed second, and the middle wing will be completed last.
“Warren will undergo a remarkable transformation which will include new flooring. They’re going to paint Warren Hall. They’re going to fix and add new lights, make sure they have the appropriate whiteboards and new furniture– which is amazing– and they will remodel the bathroom to give it a clean and modern look. They’re going to fix the stairwells and elevator,” Olejnik said.
This is a developing story.
