In the next year or two, the administration at Cardinal Gibbons, led by Head of School Jeff Bell, hopes to construct new parking for students as well as an additional entrance off Trinity Road.
While these plans are currently tentative and under review, it could add more parking to constitute the rising number of enrolled students, as well as “help alleviate congestion during school and sporting events,” according to Principal Bell.
Background
The Gibbons Globe first contacted Bell in May of 2024, as rumors were spreading around campus about the possibility of reconstructing student parking here at Gibbons.
The Globe was informed that the school was issuing a provisional master plan, created by staff as an ambition for the next 10-15 years at Cardinal Gibbons. A “request for proposal” document was submitted, which, with approval, would allow for construction to begin with Phase One of this plan.
What Would A New Parking Lot Look Like
Originally, Phase One primarily focused on the addition of more student parking and a new entrance to the school, which was expected to be located by the tennis courts off of Trinity Road, where it would connect to a new parking lot. Additionally, the school planned to renovate the current parking lot near the baseball fields by the retention pond, in order to expand it and provide additional parking.
With these two new parking lots, the school was hoping to introduce 130-150 new parking spaces, specifically built for students.
How Did This Plan Originate?
Before this Master Plan was assembled, several different ideas had been brought up about solving the parking problem and congestion throughout the school’s campus. One design that came up was the suggestion of constructing a parking deck.
However, after weighing the cons about the cost and changes it would make to the current campus, additional surface parking was determined to be the best solution moving forward.
The Current Plan
While these changes were proposed in May of 2024, talk about these suggested renovations has died down, and no one seems to know where the fate of this idea now stands.
Recently, The Gibbons Globe reached out to Principal Bell to discuss the progress of this project. His response shines more light on the future of Gibbons and the behind-the-scenes action that is taking place.
The current plan is still to install additional parking areas, with one being added “just south of the football field,” which is the area between the stadium and Trinity Road. On top of that, the current parking lot sitting above the retention pond across from the Stations of the Cross is set to be expanded in the coming years.
Bell did not mention what the current situation was with the proposed construction of a new entrance off Trinity Road, but it can be assumed that with the addition of parking near this area, it would be essential to build a roadway into and out of this area.
Currently, the school is working with the City of Raleigh to obtain permits and abide by all necessary measures to allow this plan to be successful. Bell is hopeful that all of the construction will be completed by the end of the 2025 calendar year.
More Additions to the Campus
In addition to the potential parking lot expansion, more changes across campus have been discussed.
Throughout the next 10-15 years, a couple of new buildings will be constructed across the Gibbons grounds. These buildings may include a new chapel, more classrooms, and other renovations to improve the fluidity and functionality of our school.
Over the summer, some of these ideas were put into action. The school store was greatly expanded, offering more options for students to purchase and rep their Gibbons spirit. There was also significant work on the Grotto, which included a pathway in the shape of a cross and the construction of a new wall surrounding it, with the purpose of making this a more meaningful and reflective space. Both of these changes were ideas that Principal Bell had told The Gibbons Globe of last year.
Why All of These Changes?
Implementing these changes will be crucial in ensuring the safety of students and educators while on campus.
According to Bell, these improvements will enhance “accessibility and safety for vehicles and pedestrians.”
With additional parking spots enough for 130-150 students, there will be improved traffic which will minimize congestion and make it more convenient for students to comfortably navigate the campus and flow more efficiently.
“Due to the high cost of structured parking and impact to the existing campus, it was determined additional surface parking was the best option for immediate parking relief,” said Bell.
Not only will the new parking and other changes be beneficial to the community of students and educators here at Cardinal Gibbons, but they will also be helpful for outside visitors; especially during sporting events and other activities.
All of these changes are part of the master plan, which was created through advice and feedback from the Gibbons community to address the needs of our growing school.
