History met innovation on Monday as Little Rock Central High School marked a new milestone with the ribbon-cutting of its 67,000-square-foot Science Wing, the school’s first new academic building since opening its doors in 1927. The event took place at 1:30 p.m., Monday, August 18, at 1500 LR Nine Way, and was attended by students, alumni, educators, Board members, city/state officials, and community stakeholders.
Designed by Polk Stanley Wilcox with Central alum Sarah Bennings leading architectural efforts, the three-story building blended the school’s storied exterior with modern accents meant to usher in a new era of scientific exploration at Central High.
“This building represents the future of the school, and it is bright! It really is incredible that Central has an entire 67,000 square foot building solely dedicated to its science program. I don’t know of another high school in the state that can make that claim,” said Bennings.
Prior to the construction of the new wing with Nabholz and Doyne Construction teams at the helm, science students had attended classes in portable structures that occupied the same space until last year. The new facility features:
State-of-the-art laboratories and science classrooms
Maker space and environmental science offerings with access to a rooftop patio for outdoor experiments
A 200-seat lecture hall for large-group instruction and community engagement
Collaborative design that supports inquiry and innovation
Following the ceremony, guests toured the building and received information about naming opportunities, including custom courtyard benches along the newly created Tiger Trail. Designed with an abstracted tiger-stripe steel pattern and engraved with class years, the benches linked the new Science Building to the Field House dedicated last school year, offering LRCH alumni the opportunity to “Honor the legacy; shape the future.”
Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright called the new wing a testament to Central’s enduring impact:
“Central High School has always been a place where history is made, and today we added to that legacy. This science wing represents a promise — a commitment to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and create an environment where every student, regardless of background or zip code, has the opportunity to excel. Together, we are building a future that honors our past and pushes us toward even greater achievements.”
Principal Nancy Rousseau reflected on what the moment meant to the school community:
“As someone who has the honor of serving as one of only 12 principals in the nearly 100-year history of this school, I am deeply proud of the exceptional teaching staff who bring Central’s mission to life every day. Saying goodbye to portable classrooms has truly been a breath of fresh air. Our award-winning science students proved their excellence in temporary spaces — now they have laboratories, technology-rich classrooms, and collaborative areas worthy of their skills and ambitions.”
The completion of the new Science Wing, following the dedication of the Field House during the prior school year, underscores LRSD’s mission to promote a campus where Tiger pride thrives across academics, athletics, and the arts.
Central alum who are interested in more information on naming a bench in honor of their class should contact the school.
Other construction partners include: McClelland Consulting Engineers, Pettit & Pettit Engineers and ECI Engineers.
Event photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCrhUv