Middle school construction nears completion in Virginia Beach, Va.

Construction on the new Princess Anne Middle School in Virginia Beach, Va., is on track to be completed in a few months.

WTKR-TV reports that the 257,784-square-foot facility is positioned just across from Princess Anne Elementary School. It will replace the existing Princess Anne Middle two miles away, also known as the Old Kellam High School campus.

Tony Arnold, the executive director of facilities services for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, says the school system has outgrown the old building. The new campus has about 100,000 square feet more space.

“Buildings today require more square feet per student and a lot more technology infused in the building, in all school buildings today,” Arnold explained. “There are a lot more flexible group learning spaces in this building.”

The new Princess Anne Middle School costs $77.9 million and features a courtyard, a “green roof,” a large theater, fitness room, an indoor walking track above the gym and many alternative seating areas for students.

Arnold says the building also will have solar panels installed in the spring, which are expected to reduce energy consumption in this building by more than 50%.

“Every single space in the building is designed for students and for learning, which is what I’m so excited about,” said Sandra Brown, the principal of Princess Anne Middle School.

The architect is RRMM Architects and the contractor is McKenzie Construction.