Image courtesy of Suffolk

Construction crews topped off the new gymnasium section of the $343 million renovation and expansion of Lowell High School, which is set to accommodate over 3,500 students at its scheduled completion in 2026.

Boston-based Suffolk is construction manager for the 622,777-square-foot project, which involves construction of nearly 235,000 square feet of additional space including the new gymnasium and freshman academy.

Designs by architect Perkins Eastman create a new campus quad flanked by the new academic and athletic buildings, and connecting to the Merrimack Canal and Lucy Larcom Park. Skanska USA Building is the owner’s project manager.

Ground was broken in November on the initial phase of the project, including demolition of a former dental office at 75 Arcand Drive that the city acquired through eminent domain to make way for the expansion.