Purchase of land for new Gorman High is finalized

Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003 | 8:46 a.m.

Bishop Gorman High School's move to Summerlin has moved a step closer to reality with the finalization of the purchase of the 35-acre lot where the new campus is to be built.

The high school's development cooperation has closed escrow with the Howard Hughes Corp. for the land off Hualapai Way near Russell Road, officials with the Diocese of Las Vegas have announced. The purchase price was not disclosed.

The 187,000-square-foot facility is expected to open for the 2007 academic year. Fund-raising for the project is well past the halfway mark in the $25 million capital campaign, with $18 million already received, diocese officials say.

"The overwhelming support we have received from the community is beyond our greatest expectations," said Bishop Joseph Pepe, head of the Diocese of Las Vegas.

No decision has been made as to the future of the Maryland Parkway campus that has housed the high school for 50 years. Last spring, when announcing plans for the relocation to Summerlin, diocese officials sought to reassure the public that the property would not be abandoned.

The new campus is expected to cost between $35 million and $40 million and is to include a 200-seat chapel, a technology center, a performing arts theater and athletic facilities.

As part of the capital campaign, a portion of funds collected is being set aside for scholarships. Last year Bishop Gorman High School awarded $280,000 in tuition assistance to students. Tuition is $7,200 for general students and $6,150 for students whose families are active Catholic parishioners.