Archbishop Spalding High School's new arts and technology building won't just enhance the experience of the school's 1,200 students and look pretty from the outside.

"We want to make sure the students are prepared for college and the life beyond," said Dr. Michael Murphy, the school's president. "It's not just about the building, young people will be occupying the building for decades to come."

The $8.5-million construction project in Severn began last summer, creating a new central portion of the school and a new stadium. The project is on track to be completed when the 2010 school year begins in the fall.

The first...