Taft High coming down for new building

Demolition will begin on the former Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School on Monday, clearing the way for a new $14 million facility.

Located at 420 Ezzard Charles Drive in the West End, the 102,200-square-foot school has won an award from the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Institute of Architects for the building's green design features by Voorhis, Slone, Welsh, Crossland Architects.

The new building will feature a three-story academic wing, with first-floor spaces for student and community gatherings and an enclosed outdoor courtyard.

Originally scheduled for renovation, the new school is scheduled for completion in summer 2010 as part of Cincinnati Public Schools' (CPS) $1 billion Facilities Master Plan.

Bricks from the demolished 1955 building will be saved and sold as a fundraiser to support the new school.

Taft IT High School is currently operating in a temporary home at the former Heinold Elementary School at 2240 Baltimore Avenue in North Fairmount.

Image credit: CPS and Voorhis, Slone, Welsh, Crossland Architects