Okaloosa County School District celebrated the reopening of Laurel Hill School’s renovated Multipurpose Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday.

• The historic structure, which survived two devastating fires including the most recent in the early 1970s, has been preserved while receiving modern updates.

“It was an honor to attend the ribbon cutting at Laurel Hill School’s renovated Multipurpose Building—a space rich in history and now renewed for both students and the community,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said at the event.

The building features a spacious multipurpose room designed to host school activities and community events, new restrooms, and a modern classroom currently used for Foreign Language instruction. School officials plan to host Art classes in the space next year.

• The renovation was completed by Jacobs/Titan and Lord and Son construction companies, who worked to maintain the building’s historical character while modernizing its facilities.

Wednesday’s ribbon cutting marks the completion of multipurpose buildings at all high schools and K-12 schools in the district. Last year, Laurel Hill also unveiled a four-classroom addition to its campus.

Funding for the project came from the Half Cent Sales Tax approved by voters.

The ceremony was attended by Superintendent Chambers, district officials Tim Bryant, Brett Hinely, and Parker Destin, along with Laurel Hill School staff and students. Community representatives included Mayor JB Whitten, construction company representatives, and members of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce.