To see a virtual tour of the new buildings: click here
Here is a picture of the new administration/classroom building and Center for Performing Arts Building (aka: auditorium) at good ol HOOVER HIGH. Construction is finished and the contractors are doing the finishing details – landscaping, etc. Keys should be handed over to Hoover principal on Aug. 7th 2020.
Monday, Aug. 10th, the Alumni Organization will begin sorting thru 90 years of accumulated memorabilia, trophies, documents, etc. to select items to place in the display cases along the hallways of the 3 story building and into the time capsule.
The time capsule is a work of art. It was constructed and provided to Hoover by a great Hoover Alum – Greg Verdon, class of 1965. I have been in both facilities and they are terrific. If you have an opportunity to drive by the school to see the new buildings, you will be impressed.
These buildings are phase 1 of the plans to renovate Hoover to a more modern school. Phase two is in the planning stages and down the road in a few more years they will begin phase 3. Older buildings still in use include the boys and girls gyms, cafeteria, Music building and the English building.
Ahhhhh, the memories of being a student at Hoover. Good times for sure.
ONCE A CARDINAL, ALWAYS A CARDINAL.
Steve Barclay class of 1964
Chair. Hoover Alumni Org.
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San Diego Unified School district Newscenter web site has the following article concerning Hoovers construction:
Generations of Cardinals celebrate a history of towering traditions at Hoover High School
Posted: Thursday, April 4th 2019
A rendering of the new Hoover High campus being built
Since it opened in 1929, Hoover High School has remained a constant in a changing San Diego landscape, and soon the beloved campus will feature restorations to some of its iconic architecture. When it first welcomed students, its namesake President Herbert Hoover was in the White House and San Diego’s population was only 10% of what it is today.
“There is a lot of pride about being at Hoover,” said Lilia Ruvalcaba, a senior at Hoover High School in City Heights. “Our school has so much history to share, and I am excited that the coming changes will give us a beautiful exterior to reflect the amazing culture inside.”
Ruvalcaba is an active member of the Hoover High campus, active in both the Associated Student Body and the Social Justice Academy.
After nearly 90 years serving the community, Hoover is undergoing a major facelift from construction as part of the Proposition S and Proposition Z school bonds. As part of this process, Hoover will be restoring parts of its iconic original design, including a prominent tower. The original tower was removed in 1976.
The construction efforts on campus are aimed at improving and modernizing the school’s facilities, but the design team was open to hearing input from Hoover alumni. Generations of active Cardinals were quick to weigh in about their love for the school’s original look. Thus, the tower restoration was included in the project.
“For decades, the tower was a huge piece of the Hoover experience,” said Steve Barclay, member of the class of 1964 and the chair of the Hoover Alumni Organization. “Graduating seniors had a tradition of climbing to the top of the tower to sign a graduation book which commemorated their high school career.”
In addition to the tower, the bond-funded construction project also includes a three-story building that will contain administrative offices, a 500-seat auditorium and 20 new classrooms. 
As one of San Diego’s oldest high schools, the tower tradition included participation by some famous alumni, including baseball legend Ted Williams and Jack Goodall, the first CEO of Jack in the Box.
Today, Hoover remains a vibrant school community where students are encouraged to take leadership positions that align with their interests and career goals. They can join on-campus academies, which are small learning communities that participate in job shadowing, hear from guest speakers and gain workforce experience:
· The Academy of Health and Healthier Communities, providing students with experience in the healthcare and biotech industries.
· The Academy of Information Technology, giving students first-hand knowledge of the ever-expanding technology field.
· The Academy of Literature, Media and Arts, welcoming students interested in journalism, music, theater or visual arts.
· The Social Justice Academy, teaching students to advocate and organize for positive social action.
· The Sustainable Academy of Building and Engineering, preparing students for careers as highly skilled engineers and construction specialists.
The school community has endured some inconveniences during construction, but faculty, staff and students are looking forward to the completed improvements. For example, the school’s library has been transitioned temporarily into administrative space for staff.
“The construction process is not easy, but our Hoover community has been incredibly supportive and positive throughout each phase of development,” said Principal Jason Babineau, who came to Hoover in 2017. “I commend our staff and students for being resilient with the temporary inconveniences and I appreciate how accommodating the construction teams have been. They recognize the importance of what we do every day.” 
Construction began in 2018 and is ongoing. The project is expected to be complete in time for students’ return for the fall 2020 semester. School leadership plans to begin soliciting interest in naming rights throughout the building from alumni who want to commemorate their part in Hoover’s rich history.
“I am beyond excited to welcome current Hoover students and alumni when construction is complete. Every Cardinal deserves excellence,” said Principal Babineau.
New construction of Hoover is well under way for a new school with a tower.
Great picture of construction in progress. Thanks to Efrain Zamora Class of ’95.
See Channel 10 news on demolition. Click here
NOTE: See Pictures below. Click on picture to see next picture
Time Capsule from 1977-78 Found during demolition. See story, contents inventory and pictures, CLICK HERE
Channel 10 News talks about new construction: Click Here
Auditorium Chairs Rescued now for Sale Click Here
In preparation for professional demolition alumni have been removing tiles attached to administration building to store and then reinstall after construction is completed.
Picture below show one amazing feat accomplished by Hoover’s own John Adkins and Larry Hall. They were able to remove the large mosaic attached to the side of the administration building intact for placement at a later date on the new bldgs. 
Way to go John and Larry. 
Get Ready for the Rebirth of Hoover High… for the restoration of the front buildings and tower that will bring back the architectural look of the Hoover High we knew and loved!
For those of you who remember the school building before it was remodeled into an “earthquake safe” version which now resembles an “institution”, you will be glad to hear it’s being remodeled to again be a 3 story building looking a lot more like the original us older alumni knew and loved. It will have a tower. But I understand it will be used to house air conditioning so it won’t be used for Tower day Book signing.
Construction is well under way. Completion is estimated to be 2020 or 2021..
NOTE: During construction, the school entrance will be on Highland and the administration offices housed in the library.