The building trades have taken center stage in the process of constructing the Fine, Performing and Communication Arts High School for the Detroit Public Schools.

Structural iron on the new 280,000 square-foot school was topped out during a May 29 ceremony, a milestone in the construction process which is expected to be complete in January 2005.

As high schools go, this one's a whopper. The $100 million, six-story building, which sits just west of Woodward and Orchestra Hall - takes up 250,000 square feet on a very tight site.

The building will have a capacity for 1,200 students, and features an 800-seat performing arts auditorium, a recital hall, cafeteria, media center, and television studios.

Managing the project is a joint venture of Skanska/Brinker. Project Director Bill Stewart said the project should reach peak employment in the late fall of this year.

"We're very happy with the building trades, we've had no real issues," he said. "Overall, we've had no major problems at all. The major challenge is that we're building on a small, enclosed site, but we're basically on schedule and the budget is under control. We're in good shape."

Leading the installation of iron are Iron Workers Local 25's foreman Kevin O'Keefe and steward Julius (Juice) Norman, Jr., working for McGuire Steel. They said about 2,750 tons of steel is framing the building.

"We've had to work through a difficult winter, and it still hasn't really warmed up, O'Keefe said. "But it's been a good job; it's been a safe job."

The "FPCA" school, being built in Detroit's Cultural Center, will train students in all manner of the arts. Professional staff from the local PBS affiliate and a local radio station will have active members on the school's staff. Students studying music will benefit from a partnering relationship with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, whose musicians provide mentoring.

IRON WORKERS Local 25 members who topped out the Fine, Performing and Communication Arts High School in Detroit.

IBEW LOCAL 58 steward Tom Hunter installs conduit at the new school.