New Hanover High School is historically significant and beloved by many alumni, but it’s falling into disrepair. It also lacks the same facilities and features — in terms of academics, athletics, and campus safety — as other high schools like Ashley, Hoggard, and Laney.
Despite nearly $10 million already committed to upgrading the beloved and historic downtown Wilmington school, the real cost of maintaining — or, alternatively, replacing — the school is likely to be much higher.
A design team contracted by New Hanover County Schools looked a range of options, focusing of five key issues: safety (including securing NHHS’ notoriously porous perimeter, which has 50 access points), cost, educational outcomes (including getting improving facilities), operational impact, and community asset (which is to say, the cherished historic structure itself)…