The RoundUp’s Guide to Upcoming Fine Arts Renovations

Curious what’s going on with the upcoming construction? Here’s your guide to everything about the fine arts renovation!

Alex Brudvik, Online Editor-in-Chief

Published May 20, 2026

Proposed rendering of the new community auditorium, set to be finished in 2028. Photo courtesy of Barrington 220.

Graphic depicts timelines for all projects under the "Transform 220" initiative. Photo courtesy of Barrington 220.

An overview:

This summer, construction is set to begin on the school’s new fine arts facilities, encompassing various projects to help further the arts programs.

The Richard J. Johnson auditorium, dedicated to a previous BHS drama teacher from the 1970s, has gone many years without any major renovation, with the current seats dating back 78 years. The fine arts wing, which includes several classrooms and rehearsal spaces for different activities, has also undergone little change in recent years.

The renovations include a new community auditorium, larger auditorium lobby, new fine arts classrooms, new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) rooms and an overall modernized fine arts wing. The district is working with Pepper Construction and DLA Architects for this project, who have shared proposed floor plans and renderings for the new spaces with the district.

Graphic depicts timelines for all projects under the “Transform 220” initiative. Photo courtesy of Barrington 220.

List of BHS-Specific Projects

Proposed rendering of the new community auditorium. Photo courtesy of Barrington 220.

Community Auditorium

A new, modernized auditorium will be built with higher seating capacity, improved technical and backstage facilities, an updated control booth and an ADA-compliant environment.

Proposed rendering for the new Orchestra classroom. Photo courtesy of Barrington 220.

Fine Arts Classrooms

The band, choir and orchestra rooms will be relocated and completely renovated. Our current auditorium will be split into the three classrooms and offices and instrument storage, once the new auditorium is finished.

Proposed rendering of the Auto Hub planned to be built in the upcoming construction. Photo courtesy of Barrington 220.

Career Pathway Additions

Many different education opportunities related to career pathways will be available next year with the addition of spaces such as a Manufacturing & Aviation Hub, Auto Hub, and over 4,000 square feet of gallery space/collaborative workspaces.

Project Budget and Funding

The funding for this project comes as a result from the recent “Transform 220” initiative, a 2024 referendum that asked for $64 million. The referendum includes projects at BHS such as the community auditorium, fine arts classrooms and more.

Additionally, the referendum’s budget includes projects at other schools in the district, towards projects like improving science classrooms and STEAM labs at the middle schools.

Construction in recent years came from the previous $147 million “Build 220” initiative passed in March of 2020. The referendums included various projects at BHS such as the atrium, cafeteria and culinary arts classrooms.

Auditorium Floor Plan: Second (Main) Level

Auditorium Floor Plan: First (Lower) Level

Fine Arts Wing Floor Plan

Career Pathways Floor Plan

All renderings from DLA Architects and Pepper Construction. Courtesy of Barrington 220.

Walk-through 3D animation:

(Video courtesy of Barrington 220.)

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