New Joplin High School begins to take shape - KOAM TV 7

The first structural beams for the new Joplin High School were dropped into place Wednesday morning.

With the rising of the sun the structural steel beams began to go up on the three story classroom buildings.  Universal Construction crews are starting early and working late to keep the project on schedule.

Officials say lots of work on utilities and footings has been done underground but the beams allow the community to see progress on what the superintendent calls the hub of the community.

Crews started with beams in the center of the three story school because those will require the most finishing work.

The beams span from the first floor to the "roof line" at the top.  Behind the beams the concrete sections are part of the retaining wall for the first floor elevation of the building.

The school board president and superintendent watched with pride as a crane moved the beams into place saying it's a big step in the process.

"We're just really excited about the progress we're making as a school district and as a community as a whole," says Joplin Schools Superintendent CJ Huff.  "This is one more sign of our rebuilding efforts.  I think it does a community good to see.  Joplin High School in and of itself has always been a landmark in this community and getting that back is really important to folks."

The building will be 504,000 square feet and hundreds more structural beams will be placed in the project.