Construction around 60% complete on Irmo High’s new East Wing

IRMO, SC (WOLO) — Construction for Irmo High School’s new East Wing is well underway.

ABC Columbia’s Lee Williams took a tour of the new 120,000-square-foot space along with Lexington Richland Five’s Board of Trustees and the district’s Superintendent, Dr. Akil Ross.

“Well, it’s exciting to see plans come out of the ground. You know, our overall goal is to make sure students and teachers of Irmo High School are educated in the best environment possible, but to see the process in progress is really exciting,” says Ross.

The new three-story wing will have over 60 classrooms, a media center, and an area dedicated to the history of the school — which will be called “Pride Hall.”

“And, if you can remember, it started off with a conversation with the community. What was important to you about Irmo High School? I joke with people and say you can’t throw a rock without hitting an Irmo grad. And they took all of that history to incorporate here. So yes it will have a lot of new instructional spaces, but as you walk the halls you will see elements of Irmo, the historic Irmo,” says Ross.

“We can envision in three dimensions what the school might be, but really when it starts to come out of the ground like we’re seeing today and you really start to see the spaces that you created, that’s really the most exciting moment for us architects,” says LS3P Architect Mary Beth Branham.

She says the design is all about branding — seamlessly incorporating the school’s “Beware The Sting” motto and their school colors.

As phases of construction move forward, an area for students interested in learning how to start their own business, which they’re calling a small business incubator — and a cafeteria student center will be included.

“Some outdoor space which students really enjoy having, so it’s gonna be a really great, new, kind of fresh look,” says Branham.

Dr. Ross says the project is about 60% complete, and currently under budget, priced at around $329 per square foot.

The new East Wing is expected to open to students in the Fall of 2026.