Called the El Sol Science and Arts Academy, the new school willaccommodate 650 students on a first-come, first-served basis onceopen. Kathy Sabine, principal of the Heninger School, has beennamed principal of the new facility. Involved in the charterprocess for the school since its inception, she says that for now,plans are to renovate the two abutting office buildings beginningin January, with construction scheduled for completion by lateAugust in time for the beginning of the school year.

In all, the district will spend $8.5 million to close escrow onthe 2,300-sf house and two office buildings totaling 54,000-sf,including costs of renovation. Available parking for 80 cars is ata lot across the street. Escrow is expected to close inJanuary.

"The two buildings were not designed together. They have acommon wall and abut each other. The current owner has gutted themand knocked out walls so you can walk between the two buildings onthe first two floors. That's about all he's done," she says.