Agua Fria approves $75M construction contract for new arts school

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

The Agua Fria Union High School District governing board has approved the final and largest construction contract for the Hilltop School for the Arts, cementing the full scope of work for the district’s flagship fine arts campus scheduled to open in fall 2026.

The board approved the third guaranteed maximum price during its July 10 with McCarthy Building Cos. Inc., covering more than $63.5 million in direct construction costs. With selected alternates and additional work included, the total contract value rises to approximately $75.4 million.

“This is where their dreams will take shape,” said governing board President Kristen Acton. “As a governing board, we are beyond excited. I had a hard time with that word ‘excited’ because it doesn’t capture what we feel.”

The third guaranteed maximum price contract represents the final phase of construction for the Hilltop campus and includes funding for the Fine Arts Academy and its performing arts center.

The board had previously approved two smaller agreements, just under $1 million for early procurement and $12.2 million for site preparation work, bringing the full project total to more than $75.9 million.

According to district officials, the project is funded through a combination of capital funds, adjacent ways funding, and voter-approved bond measures from 2023 and 2024.

Construction at the historic Hilltop site broke ground May 1. Once completed, the school will accommodate up to 450 students and feature a 700-seat theater, studio space and specialized classrooms for music, media and performing arts.

“This project is part of a legacy,” Acton said at the groundbreaking. “It reflects who we are and what we believe in. The students deserve real options. The community thrives through shared experiences in the arts.”

The newly approved price includes more than $63.5 million in direct work and $9.6 million in indirect costs, such as general conditions, overhead and fees. Major budget items include:

• About $6.2 million for structural and miscellaneous steel;
  
• About $4.4 million for masonry;
  

• About $4.9 million for mechanical systems;
  
• About $4 million for electrical and fire alarm systems;
  
• About $3.4 million for theater and sound equipment;
  
• About $2.9 million for framing and drywall.

Several design alternates were also approved, totaling over $1.1 million. These enhancements include a courtyard amphitheater, recording studio audio system, movable glass walls in the dining hall, and upgraded roofing and lighting in the performing arts center.

In addition to these enhancements, the district plans to construct a north site electrical utility extension and a sewer extension benefiting nearby Sun Health facilities. The city of Litchfield Park and Sun Health are expected to reimburse the district for portions of this work at a later date.

“We see the site as a cultural center not just for Agua Fria students, but for the entire community,” said Litchfield Park City Manager Mathew Williams.

The new campus will be adjacent to civic institutions like the Arizona Farm & Ranch Museum, the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center, and a new public library, contributing to the city’s vision for a vibrant cultural corridor.

“For many years, I’ve been working on building up the development situation so the city is sustainable,” said Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas Schoaf. “We have the property because the Litchfield family wanted to make sure the property was used in a way that was consistent with what Paul Litchfield envisioned back in the 1920s — a cultural and performing arts area.”

“This hilltop provided him with a commanding view, and it still provides a commanding view of our valley today,” Schoaf said. “It would be a wonderful place for the academy.”

The school is expected to open to students across all grade levels in August 2026, with the performing arts center opening later that fall. Programming will include career pathways in arts and entertainment, dual enrollment courses, industry credentials, internships and senior capstone projects.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is anticipated for summer 2026. More information is available at aguafria.org.