A New Look at Broadneck High

Over the past few years, the condition of the auditorium has gone from bad to, well, embarrassing. Numerous broken seats were taped off, and audience members were taking a chance every time they chose a seat before a program. And the worn carpet just added to the ambiance.

“This was a project long overdue,” said BHS principal David Smith. “The project was delayed due to budget concerns in the past. We were pleased that it didn’t happen this time around.” 

The auditorium seats and flooring were original. This summer, workers pulled out all of the chairs and carpet and transformed this worn out space into a shiny new venue worthy of the many impressive programs held there throughout the year.

Eileen Lemmon, the business manager at the school, was given the task of picking out the features for the project. From the backs of the chairs, to the fabric, to even the spec flake colors in the floor, Lemmon strived to make this long awaited renovation a visual success. That project was overseen by Innovative Floor Systems of Glen Burnie.

“As the school representative, I worked with the business representatives on everything from the chair backs, to the floor color, to the actual color of fabric for the chairs,” said Lemmon. “I really worked hard to choose the right color maroon that wouldn’t look too red. I think we did that.”

Lemmon gave Patch a sneak peak this week at the work that had been completed this summer. The room has been totally transformed, including getting up to code with ADA specifications.

For now, the auditorium is off limits as the last of the checking is completed.

“We actually have someone come in and check every seat and make sure that everything has been done correctly,” said Lemmon. “There are a few things that need to be re-done for the final ok to happen. We can’t let people in until then.”

Lemmon and administrators of the school are hoping that the final ok is completed by the first day of school. For now, the freshmen orientation program for parents scheduled for tonight will be held in the cafeteria and the main gym. 

Also renovated at the school was the lighting of the football field. That project was overseen by Lighting Maintenance of Linthicum at a cost of nearly $360,000.