Students get first look at Addison Trail's new look

After all sorts of adversity and uncertainty caused by a construction workers strike, it was time Tuesday for students at Addison Trail High School to enjoy their new digs.

"It's pretty nice, I like it," said student Gazlind Sulejmani of the newly renovated Addison Trial. "I feel like I'm back in California going to school, but we are actually inside. There's better space and more activities, and I can hang out with more friends."

Gazlind was hanging out in the new commons area, part of $115 million in renovations at Addison Trail and Willowbrook High School in Villa Park. On-time completion of the work had been in jeopardy due to the July strike.

But Tuesday's first day of classes appeared to go smoothly. The new amenities certainly didn't hurt.

"One of the things students are excited about this year are the brand new, bigger lockers, which are now 12 inches wide, instead of nine," said Sherri Anderson, director of community relations. "This allows them a better opportunity to store laptops and books,"

Addison Trail's improvements include a three-story, 24,000-square-foot classroom addition, the one-story, 20,000-square-foot student commons addition, and a 42,000-square-foot field house addition. Work at Willowbrook includes a one-story, 6,000-square-foot music addition, two stair tower additions and a 42,000-square-foot field house.