Here is a short time-lapse video we have put together of the construction site within the first month of construction.  (August 7, 2022 – August 31, 2022)

• • Construction Site Logistics (Map) is available here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Walsenburg, CO – August 1, 2022 – Breaking Ground on a New Junior Senior High for the Walsenburg Community Huerfano School District RE-1 is excited to announce a groundbreaking celebration for the new Walsenburg Junior Senior High. The celebration will be happening on Friday, August 12 th at 10am. This milestone event will mark the start of construction, replacing John Mall High School with a new building on the adjacent site east of the existing school.
The community is encouraged to join in celebrating the groundbreaking of our new school. Please join us east of John Mall High School, 355 W. Pine Street, Walsenburg, CO | Friday August 12 th , 10am.

The district currently operates out of two buildings, Peakview School which is a PK-6 school and John Mall High School which now contains grades 7-12. Built in the 1970’s John Mall High School’s building is failing and was determined to need replacement as soon as feasible. The district and community passed a bond election in 2020 and secured competitive BEST Grant matching contributions from the Colorado Department of Education. The BEST Program, started in 2008, stands for “Building Excellent Schools Today” and is a critical funding partner to make building in rural areas more affordable to the community.

Michael Moore, Superintendent of Huerfano School District, remarked, “A Groundbreaking Ceremony! What an incredibly exciting day for the Huerfano Re-1 community, our taxpayers, employees and students. There are many people to thank for supporting our dreams and visions of a new Walsenburg Jr/Sr High School. Many of these people will be recognized at the ceremony although I must pay tribute to and give our overwhelming gratitude to the taxpayers for supporting our quest for a BEST grant. Without your support, a groundbreaking would not be possible. You have created great opportunities for the children and all the Huerfano Re-1 family. Let the construction begin!”

The project will begin with construction of the new Walsenburg Junior Senior High and upon completion of that building, the existing John Mall High School will be demolished to make room for new outdoor recreational and instructional areas. The new building will continue to house 7 th through 12 th graders, but in a brand new 56,000 sf facility.

“The economy and current market presents challenges from all sides for construction projects but the team dynamic we have working with Artaic Group, Wold Architects, and the Huerfano School District has helped us overcome many challenges and see this project get off the ground to begin construction on time. We know how hard the community and district fought to secure very competitive BEST Grant Funds and as a team, it was important to everyone that we managed the budget and design phase well so we can make sure that this new school makes the most of every dollar.”, Vinnie Mattivi – Pueblo Division Manager for Nunn Construction.

Artaic Group is assisting the district on the project as an Owner’s Representative, the new building is designed by Wold Architects and Engineers and built by Nunn Construction. Construction is expected to complete for the building to open spring semester of 2024.

About Huerfano School District RE-1
Huerfano School District RE-1’s mission is to provide a safe-learning environment and exceptional educational opportunities for all students to succeed in an ever-changing world. Comprised of students from Peakview School (PK-6), John Mall High School (7-12), and Gardner Valley Charter School, the district educates nearly 550 students each year.

Media Contact:
Rachel Short
Marketing Manager
Nunn Construction
(719) 599-7710