BYU University Communications announced Thursday morning in its Y News newsletter that 'minimal construction work' will begin this week on the former Provo High School.
The construction occurring will prepare the school property to temporarily house part of the College of Fine Arts and Communications.
According to the announcement, the School of Music will move into the new Music Building once it is completed toward the end of 2022. The rest of the College of Fine Arts and Communications (except for the School of Communications which is already housed in the Brimhall Building) will then at the same time transfer into the Provo High School property temporarily.
College of Fine Arts and Communications Dean Ed Adams said the construction is mainly just modifications, adjustments and tweaks to make the place ready. These include fixing carpets and cabinets, making sure electrical outlets and capacity are correct, and replacing the information technology infrastructure.
He said BYU has worked hard for two years studying the old Provo High to “ensure that student experience is not compromised.” Many of the faculty and staff have been involved in the direction and layout of spaces, he said.
According to Adams, the college will also be providing more Inspiring Learning funds to facilitate more off-campus learning opportunities for student majors housed in the property.
The announcement said this move is 'necessary as plans are underway to design a new arts building.'
Adams said design and plans for the new arts building are not yet finalized and they are still waiting for approval from campus planning so there is not an expected timeline for completion. The new arts building will most likely include the Art, Design and Theatre & Media Arts departments as well as college offices, Adams said.