Durham, NC — Durham Public Schools (DPS) broke ground Friday on a new campus for the Durham School of the Arts (DSA), marking the beginning of construction for a modern facility intended to replace the school’s century-old downtown location. The new 368,000-square-foot campus, situated outside of downtown, will feature specialized spaces to support DSA’s arts-focused curriculum, including music rooms, a concert hall, an auditorium, and dedicated classrooms for visual and performing arts.
Dr. Anthony Lewis, Superintendent of Durham Public Schools, described the vision for the new facility as an upgrade not only in infrastructure but also in educational offerings. “Students will have state-of-the-art workspaces and specialized classrooms to hone their skills and crafts. For those interested in pursuing arts careers, this new campus will provide an exceptional foundation,” said Lewis.
The current DSA building, which has served Durham students for over a century, faces significant structural issues including a leaky roof, outdated plumbing, and asbestos and lead paint hazards. DSA principal Jackie Tobias highlighted the importance of the new facility in meeting modern educational standards. “Our 100-year-old building has issues with plumbing, water, and electricity,” Tobias stated. “This new era brings a space that meets today’s educational needs and embraces technology.”
Beyond enhancing learning spaces, the new campus is expected to relieve traffic congestion and accommodate a growing student body. Once completed, it will be one of the most extensive projects undertaken by DPS, with an estimated cost of $200 million. Principal Tobias emphasized the positive impact on both students and the Durham community, noting that the new campus will provide a high-quality, technology-integrated environment.
The project is scheduled for completion by 2027, ushering in a new chapter for the Durham School of the Arts and its students.
