Hilltop School for the Arts and Theater marks construction milestone in Litchfield Park

The Agua Fria High School District marked a construction milestone for the new Hilltop School for the Arts and Theater with a beam-signing ceremony and the placement of the project’s final structural beam.

The event, commonly known as a topping-out ceremony, signifies completion of a building’s structural framework. District officials were joined by representatives of McCarthy Building Companies, the project’s general contractor, and ADM Group, the designer, along with local leaders and community members.

The 115,111-square-foot campus is being built at Litchfield Road and Camelback Road. Plans include a 34,034-square-foot performing arts center with more than 700 seats, lobby space and a two-story backstage area with multiuse rooms and a food service area.

The project also features two single-level classroom buildings equipped with advanced technology and a two-story building that will house a black box theater, media center, cafeteria, administrative offices and additional classrooms.

Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas Schoaf, district Governing Board members, staff and residents from the nearby La Loma community attended the ceremony.

“Today’s beam signing represents more than the raising of steel; it reflects the strength of our community and our shared commitment to the future,” Schoaf said.

Kristen Acton, president of the Agua Fria High School District Governing Board, said the project was designed with students and long-term educational goals in mind.

Principal Julie Jones said the school’s focus will center on creativity and student development once the campus opens.

Construction began in May 2025 on the nearly $74.5 million project, which is funded through voter-approved bond measures. The school is scheduled to be completed in fall 2026.

Visit aguafria.org for more information.