AP Breaks Ground on D11's Palmer High School Transformation

May 12, 2025 (Colorado Springs, Colo) – Construction for the long-awaited renovation of Palmer High School for Colorado Springs District 11(D11) has officially begun. On Monday afternoon, just after the final bell, students, community members, and the construction and design teams gathered to mark the milestone.

“We’re honored that D11 chose us to complete this important project for our community. We are using our past success and lessons learned from our extensive high school and renovation experience to plan every aspect of the construction. Upon completion, this is a project that our company will be proud of for years to come – it has so many challenges and opportunities for all of us,” said Tony Cingoranelli, vice president preconstruction for Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP).

Student body president Connor Strange said, “I think this rebuild is not just a rebuild, but a build of bridges to new adventures of community.” That sentiment was reflected in the number of speakers at the celebration, including District 11 Executive Director of Engagement Dr. Jessica Wise; Superintendent Michael Gaal; Judy Owsley, president of the Palmer High School Alumni Association; Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade; and Palmer High School Principal Krista Burke.

The first phase of the planned transformation begins this summer with the demolition of the tech wing, which will be replaced with a three-story academic wing. Phased construction will continue into 2028.

The project is located in the heart of Colorado Springs, at Nevada Avenue and Boulder Street. AP joins RTA Architects in partnership with Perkins Eastman and NES.