The addition posed the opportunity to create an enhanced sense of place, identity and pride for Van Horn’s students, staff and community.
Walking into the new addition, you’re welcomed by the Hall of Champions, showcasing the rich Van Horn history with team trophies, medals and plaques. A new competition gym elevates the Falcon fan and athlete experience, while also providing enhanced locker room facilities for athletes. New indoor/outdoor concessions and restrooms for indoor sporting events and soccer games are arranged with the hope to provide future infrastructure to bring varsity football games back to campus. A large mezzanine accommodates standing room spectators and dually functions as a practice space for wrestlers, cheerleaders and more.
Beyond athletics, the new addition includes a culinary arts kitchen, a metals workshop and full-service athletic training room, with accompanying classrooms to support those hands-on learning labs. These 21st century equipped spaces demonstrate the District’s commitment to the Independence Careers Academies.
Formerly disconnected from the building itself, the woodshop was brought back into the building by demolishing an existing structure and renovating a former storage space. In addition to the woodshop, six science labs were remodeled.