Artistic Upgrades: Arts and Humanities students, teachers enjoy building renovations

April 2, 2025

If Arts and Humanities Focus Program student Null had to describe the school’s newly-renovated building in one word, that word would be “amazing.”
 
Dozens of Arts and Humanities students share Null’s optimistic outlook in freshly-designed classrooms and workspaces. Lincoln Public Schools completed a $2.6 million upgrade to the “Bottler’s Building” facility this spring, which has improved the educational opportunities for many people. Located at 643 South 25th St. across from Lincoln High School, the 1920 structure was the home of a Coca-Cola bottling plant for many decades.
 
Null said the transformation of the Bottler’s Building has created a feeling of freedom and excitement for everyone in the focus program.
 
“As a student who was in the building before the renovations, the new space is an amazing improvement!” Null said. “It really feels like a proper school now. The old classrooms were cramped and I noticed teachers and students having a hard time navigating them and feeling uncomfortable. Now, there’s enough space for teachers to really move and get to every kid who needs help.”
 
Arts and Humanities teachers Michelle Hrbek and Maggie Elsener said they have also been impressed with everything they have seen. Both lead a variety of art classes at the school, which was launched in 1998.
 
“It is amazing teaching in our new facility,” Hrbek said. “I feel it and the students do too. It is validating having a space designed to meet students’ needs. Instruction was strong before the renovation, but after the renovation, it has become less stressful.”
 
“The excitement about our new space has been clear to see, with both staff and students showing a lot of enthusiasm,” Elsener said. “A lot of hard work went into renovating the building, and the effort continues from staff and students going into making it feel like home.”
 
The Lincoln Board of Education authorized the purchase of the Bottler’s Building property for $2.3 million in 2022. LPS leaders envisioned a space where Arts and Humanities students could continue to pursue creative projects in subjects such as writing, music and visual arts. All students in grades 9-11 are also required to take a year-long Humanities course, which focuses on local, national and international real-world issues.
 
Hrbek and Elsener said prior to the renovations, students and staff were operating in a warehouse-like environment. Noise from heating and cooling systems drowned out conversations, sparse lighting made photography projects more difficult, and there were not enough electrical outlets for 21st Century technology needs.
 
The construction project addressed all of those concerns. Crews added walls and doors to a multipurpose room, expanded space in existing classrooms, added electrical outlets throughout the building and upgraded the sound and lighting systems.
 
Elsener and Hrbek said morale has been sky-high at the school throughout the second semester. Students, teachers and administrative staff have felt energized with everything in their new home.
 
“The updates have given us a much-needed boost, especially in a place where students create with so many different materials and techniques,” Elsener said. “We’ve already got some large sculptures taking up residence in the space, so we’re definitely thankful for the extra room. As we plan for our upcoming art show, we’re excited to have such a beautiful space to work with.”
 
“Students benefit in an array of ways,” Hrbek said. “They come in excited each day knowing that they have what they need to perform at their best, whether that’s a photography studio, room for pottery wheels, counter space, storage, great acoustics and whatever else helps them succeed.”
 
Null said the reconfigured multipurpose room in the middle of the building is one of the project’s highlights. The former space “wrapped around the classrooms awkwardly,” but the new community room has created a strong link throughout the school. It is used for Humanities classes, guest speakers, lunch hour, student art shows and class activities for art and English.
 
“The new one, even though it’s smaller, feels bigger because of how the space is used,” Null said. “It connects the classrooms together more like my home high school, with open space that doesn’t take away from classroom size.”
 
Hrbek and Elsener said everyone at Arts and Humanities appreciates the work that went into bottling a top-notch learning environment at the building.
 
“We are grateful for everything the community and district did to make this renovation happen,” Hrbek said. “Our facility is beautiful and our student scholars are reaping the benefits.”
 
“The updates are a clear sign that the community values the arts and humanities and recognizes their impact in helping students understand how they can make a difference, not just in their own lives, but in the world around them,” Elsener said. “We’re still discovering all the possibilities this new space offers, but one thing is clear: we no longer have to simply make it work – it actually works. And for that, we are truly grateful.”
 
Explore how you can choose your journey with the Arts and Humanities Focus Program on our website at arts.lps.org.

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