Click here to see photos of First Look at Robins Hall & Loats Performing Arts Center.

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  • A Piece of History…..

    The story of the Robins/Loats project begins in the late 1990’s when a group of NHHS parents initiated the effort to refurbish all the school facilities in the district. Their work culminated in 2000 with the passage of a local school bond called Measure A. The refurbishment work at NHHS revealed seismic concerns that were so significant the building had to be vacated and closed. In 2005, as the Measure A work was winding down, another group of NHHS parents led the effort to pass a second local school bond, called Measure F. Measure F provided funding to construct new school facilities throughout the district, including a new Robins Hall and Loats Performing Arts Center.

    Many thanks go out to the community for supporting these two local school bonds. Our Board of Education and District Administrators should be commended for successfully utilizing the bond funds to refurbish our schools and to construct not only Robins/Loats but a new stadium for Estancia High, a new pool for Costa Mesa High, a new gym for Tewinkle Middle School and a designated science classroom for each elementary school.

    The renaissance of Robins-Loats is a joy to behold. From day one, the objective was to construct a building that maintained the architectural integrity of the original building, honored its historic nature and accommodated the needs of a 21st century education. As you tour the building, please notice the original compass rose under the tower, the original light fixture above it, the artwork in the library and all the architectural details integrated throughout this iconic school landmark.

    The Newport Harbor Educational Foundation hopes you enjoy your First Look at the new Robins Hall and Loats Performing Arts Center. Please support the foundation, whose purpose is to raise the funds necessary to provide the exceptional academic and athletic programs that make Newport Harbor High School one of the premier high schools in the nation.

  • Robins Hall
    Loats Performing Arts Center
    Project Highlights

    Overall Project

    • 30,000 square feet larger than the original.
    • Decorative elements throughout were re-created from detailed photographs and cast models taken from the original buildings.
    • The memorial flagpole was retained in its original location and the World War II commemorative plaque was preserved. Memory bricks are now being sold and will soon be installed around the flagpole.
    • Funded by the community through two local bond measures and developed by the school district.

    Robins Hall
    The Tower

    • A replica of the original tower.
    • The compass rose on the floor is the original: preserved, reinstalled and positioned to face true north. An original lamp hangs above.
    • Two depression-era mosaics are preserved, refurbished and displayed in the hallway.

    Heritage Hall

    • A museum showcasing the history of NHHS with display areas, a conference room and a workroom.
    • Cabinetry and finish work based upon the original designs.

    Library

    • The main reading room was built in the style of the original, with exposed wooden beams and cathedral windows.
    • The Ruth Stoever Fleming Art Collection is prominently displayed throughout, featuring paintings by such artists as William Wendt, Millard Sheets and Phil Dike.
    • Computers for research, a Computer Lab and a high-tech classroom bring the library into the 21st Century.
  • Science Classrooms

    • Twelve new classrooms with the latest in high school science technology, including eye washing stations, computer input jacks, and fume hoods.

    Cafeteria

    • State-of-the-art food production facility.
    • Computerized payment and inventory control system.
    • Designated Red Cross Emergency Food Center.
    • Partially covered courtyard seating and meeting area.

    School Administration, Counseling Offices and Health Facility

    Loats Performing Arts Center

    • 500 ground-floor seats offer excellent sight lines and easy handicapped accessibility.
    • Baffles on the ceiling, resembling “clouds,” optimize acoustics and incorporate three different types of lighting, including hundreds of fiber optic emitters that create the appearance of a starry night.
    • Raised orchestra pit makes it possible for the audience (especially parents) to see both the musicians playing in front and the performance on stage.
    • A full fly loft allows a full-size theater curtain and counterweight rigging system, enabling full-size, professional stage sets.
    • Extensive catwalk system to access rigging and lighting.
    • State-of-the-art control room for lighting and sound systems.
    • Scene storage area, workshop, green room, dressing rooms and a “black box” theater.
    • Designated orchestral and choral practice rooms.

  • The Newport Harbor Educational Foundation would like
    to thank the following individuals and companies
    for their help with this event.

    Michael Vossen, Principal, Newport Harbor High School
    Mark Buchanan, Chairman, Measure F
    Gregg Kelly, President, Newport Harbor HS Alumni Association
    John McGinnis, Retired Librarian, Newport Harbor High School
    Dennis O’Hern, Retired Teacher, Newport Harbor High School
    Jim Kisel, LPA Associates, Architects, Director of School Planning
    McCarthy Construction, Robins Loats Project Manager
    Scott Smith, Biology Teacher, Newport Harbor High School
    Sue Lindsey, Cafeteria Manager, Newport Harbor High School
    Jan Reid, Cafeteria Staff, Newport Harbor High School
    James Lamond, Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Director,
    Facilities Development, Planning and Design
    Tim Marsh, Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Administrative
    Director, Facilities Support Services
    Kelly Bourgeois, Librarian Newport Harbor High School
    Julie Norton, Julie Norton Photography
    EJ Kehoe, Kehoe Photography

    Underwriters
    Pacific Whey Café and Bakery The Connelly Family

    First Look Committee
    Nancy Buchanan, Chair
    Stacey Brown Susie Bates Cathy Kinney
    Pam Hardenbergh Lisa Gels Marty Dutch

    Many of the programs you have seen and heard about today would not be possible without the generous support of our community. Thank you for attending First Look and for your continued support of Newport Harbor High School.

    To see event photos and to learn more about the
    Newport Harbor Educational Foundation visit:

    www.NewportHarborEducationalFoundation.org