Work underway at Lewis and Clark High school

Work has begun to build a cafeteria, common area and classrooms at Spokane’s Lewis and Clark High School.

About $14.8 million in permits have been issued for the $18 million project.

When complete, a two-story, 35,000-square-foot building will occupy what had been until recently a large lawn. A skywalk will connect the new building to the historic high school above its Howard Street easement.

The work is paid for by the $495 million construction bond approved by voters in November. The bond also will pay for renovations to the existing three-story building, removing the current kitchen and cafeteria and converting three classrooms into “science rooms” on the third floor.

NAC Architecture, of Spokane, designed the project. No contractor is listed on the permits.