[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE GRAND REOPENING OF THE ORIGINAL GROSSMONT HIGH 
                            SCHOOL BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2014

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the rich history 
and proud legacy of the Grossmont Union High School District in my 
congressional district of East San Diego County. On May 1, 2014, the 
District will host a grand reopening of their District Office building 
to rededicate a historical landmark in the City of El Cajon, the 
original Grossmont High School Building.
  Originally constructed in 1922, the Grossmont High School Building 
for decades was home to the teachers and students that made up the 
oldest high school in East San Diego County. As the campus expanded, 
new buildings were added and this facility eventually became the 
District Office. The project was actually two buildings, a stone veneer 
over cast-in-place (CIP) concrete at the front and a two-story 
conventional wood-framed and plaster building in the rear. The 
structures were independent of each other and both required seismic 
upgrades. The necessary improvements consisted of a shotcrete membrane 
for the inside of the exterior walls at the stone section and full-
height steel brace-frames in the wood-framed building.
  Standard improvements to the building include all new HVAC, plumbing, 
electrical, lighting, Fire Alarm and communications. Newer styles have 
been blended with the traditional as significant efforts were made to 
honor the features of the original structure. The original stone veneer 
has been refurbished and upgraded original-style wood windows have been 
installed in line with the original theme. Also keeping with the 
original motif is the reuse of existing wood flooring. Newer amenities 
such as modern steel and tile stairs with stainless and glass 
handrails, glass conference rooms and curvi-linear (arched panel) 
ceilings have been added to complete the transition to new as well as 
honoring the old traditions.
  The majority of the funding for this project was provided from former 
redevelopment funds, primarily from the City of El Cajon. The remaining 
balance of the project funding was allocated from the District's 
capital facilities fund and Propositions H and U, which were 
specifically utilized to bring the structure into compliance with ADA 
standards, including an elevator and wheelchair accessibility.
  Besides refurbishing this proud local landmark, I am particularly 
proud to see redevelopment funds stay within the City of El Cajon 
thereby benefiting students in the District and those who support 
student achievement. I have always appreciated the hard work and 
dedication the Grossmont Union High School District has shown to 
furthering the educational goals of our students and I congratulate 
them on this achievement and continued investment into our community.

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