&#8220Honor the past. Celebrate the future.&#8221

That was the theme Friday night as more than 500 people got a &#8220sneak peek&#8221 of the

newly reconstructed City Honors School on East North Street.

The historic school was opened up for the eighth annual Party in the Hall fundraiser so

guests could see the results of the $40 million reconstruction project.

&#8220Tonight is an opportunity for the school community and the Buffalo community to get a

sneak peek at all the work that&#8217s been done,&#8221 said Principal William Kresse, who

noted construction should be completed this summer in time for reopening in September.

The two-year reconstruction project was part restoration of the historic school building

and part new construction, which will provide &#8220all the amenities we will need for the

next 100 years,&#8221 Kresse said.

Some of those amenities are a gymnasium that will seat 800 spectators and a swimming pool

with eight lanes and seating for 450 spectators, Kresse said.

The school will also go from one and a half to to six computer labs.

&#8220The science center has doubled in size and is completely revamped,&#8221 he said.

Bright yellow and white balloons directed visitors to different areas of the school. At the

same time, yellow caution tape blocked off areas still under construction.

The new arts corridor features gleaming new floors and bright open spaces.

&#8220I am incredulous,&#8221 outgoing senior Jimmitti cq Teysir cq said, remarking on the

new art room, which also includes design and ceramics rooms as well as an orchestra room.

&#8220I can&#8217t believe the changes that have been made,&#8221 she said. &#8220It&#8217s

beautiful.&#8221

Although the Yale-bound student will not be in attendence when the doors open this fall,

she has fond memories of the school.

&#8220Even with all the changes, you recognize what is City Honors.&#8221

The history of the school dates back to 1897, but over the years it fell into disrepair and

was months away from a wrecking ball in the 1970s when it was saved by the Fosdick Masten

Alumni Association, Kresse said.

At that time, the City Honors program needed a bigger home and the process of restoring it

began.

Parents Lisa and Bill Gorman, who have two children in the school, liked what they saw

Friday night.

&#8220I think it&#8217s great,&#8221 Lisa said. &#8220Being that they&#8217re young, our

children will benefit.&#8221

&#8220Our younger one is an avid swimmer,&#8221 Bill said. &#8220He&#8217ll enjoy the pool

and the weight room.&#8221