HELLS KITCHEN — With just over a week to go until it welcomes 1,340 students, Hell's Kitchen's new Beacon School opened its doors for a glimpse of its state-of-the-art facilities.
The $88 million school at 522 W. 44th St. has taken three years to build and includes a massive auditorium and gymnasium, a black box theater, a dance studio and a darkroom for photography.
"We're ready to open," said Principal Ruth Lacey as she gave DNAinfo a tour of the space Thursday.
The school's spacious hallways, designed by architect John Ciardullo, let natural light filter in and the white, minimalist decor give way to brightly colored lockers.
Two massive, iridescent murals designed by students with help from the Brazilian artist Eli Sudbrack decorate walls of some common spaces.
"I'm an art teacher," Lacey said. "For me, the architecture, the space, the light, really show off the importance of the arts."
The school's music teacher Brian Letiecq raved about the basement floor dedicated to music that's complete with a recording studio, multi-purpose practice spaces and a common space where he plans to host open mic nights and drum circles.
"In the other place we were in a closet," he said, referring to the Beacon Schools former 61st Street location. "The attention to detail in the place is insane."