NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Community members can give their input on the future Maury High School at several upcoming meetings.

The first is Thursday night at the historic Maury High’s cafeteria from 6-8 p.m.

Representatives from Norfolk Public Schools and the City of Norfolk will join developer Heartland Construction and other partners such as Norfolk-based Work Program Architects and Charlottesville-based architectural firm VMDO for the sessions.

“The development of the New Maury High School will continue to involve our stakeholders, with ongoing opportunities for community input,” said Dr. Doreatha White, chief strategy, innovation, and community engagement officer for Norfolk Public Schools. “This project represents a critical alignment between our NPS Strategic Plan and construction efforts. We’re once again inviting the community to play a role in shaping the future of this historic school.”

The first community session comes just over six months after Norfolk’s school board unanimously voted to move forward with a plan to build a new Maury High School, as well preserve the historic school by turning it into housing.

WPA Architects says there are no notable changes to the project since December, and current plans have the new school being completed by fall of 2028.

Norfolk Public Schools says the designers are adhering to these principles for the project:

  • Build on tradition
  • Be timeless
  • Focus on the future
  • Provide learning communities
  • Be adaptable and flexible
  • Facilitate anytime, anywhere learning
  • Be safe and secure
  • Be sustainable
  • Provide space for community
  • Respect its community context

“The proposal we have right now supports all the academic and athletic programming that the community desires while also maintaining the historic structure,” sayid Robert Hudson, vice president at Heartland Construction. “We are still in the early stages of conceptual design and program verification. Our team is working alongside the project stakeholders and the community to ensure all needs are met, but there are many details that still need to be nailed down.”

The community will be able to weigh in on the site plans, design of the new building, the existing Maury High and more. Some ideas include natural light in learning spaces and a dining area/commons in the middle of the school.

“We are excited to hear what the parents, educators and other members of this community have to say,” said Rob Winstead, a principal and the K12 market lead at VMDO. “We will be there with open ears. These conversations will literally shape the spaces where the children in these communities learn and grow.”

You can read more about the project and stay up to date on future meetings here.