DPSCD Celebrates Topping Out of New Cody High School, Marking Major Milestone Toward 2027 Opening

The final structural steel beam was placed atop the new Cody High School — a roughly $65 million, 127,500-square-foot facility set to open for the 2027-28 school year and serve 750 students.

DETROIT, Mich. — Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and the Brinker-Christman Joint Venture celebrated the topping out of the new Cody High School, marking the placement of the building’s final structural steel beam. The high school is among the first new school buildings constructed under DPSCD’s transformative 20-year facilities master plan and is part of the district’s most significant school construction effort in decades.

The ceremony brought together district leaders, students, project partners and construction tradespeople to recognize progress on the approximately $65 million facility, which is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year and serve 750 students. As part of the tradition, attendees signed the final beam before it was lifted into place atop the building, signifying completion of the school’s structural frame.

“Today’s topping out ceremony brings us one step closer to opening this brand-new neighborhood high school!” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of DPSCD. “The growing excitement of the new school building along with the transformational work of the school’s leadership is creating a buzz among students and families which is already leading to an increase in enrollment. Every neighborhood in our great city deserves a high-quality facility and today’s event is about celebrating a proud moment of our district moving a step forward toward accomplishing that goal citywide for our students and families!”

The new Cody High School is being constructed adjacent to the existing 300,000-square-foot school building and will provide a modern, functional educational environment designed around the needs of today’s students. The 127,500-square-foot facility will include specialized spaces for JROTC and Career Technical Education pathways, including personal training and fitness and business and marketing programs. Additional features include a school-based health center, multipurpose performance space and a central outdoor courtyard that serves as a shared gathering space for students and staff.

The courtyard will feature outdoor classrooms, shaded seating areas and native landscaping designed to support instruction, collaboration and connection to the natural environment. “Building schools is about far more than constructing a building,” said Larry Brinker Jr., Brinker president and CEO. “It’s about creating opportunity, strengthening neighborhoods, and investing in the future of our communities. The new Cody High School will serve generations of Detroit students, and Brinker Christman JV is honored to play a role in delivering a facility that reflects the promise and potential of the city’s young people.”

“As a trusted partner of Detroit Public Schools Community District for more than 15 years, we are honored to help deliver a transformational investment for Detroit’s students and families,” said Jason Ide, Southeast Michigan general manager at The Christman Company. “Together, we are building more than a school. We are strengthening communities and creating opportunities that will benefit future generations.”

Construction began in July 2025 and remains on track for completion in summer 2027, allowing the new school to welcome students for the 2027-28 academic year. The project team includes Brinker-Christman, owner’s representative Plante Moran Realpoint, architect Ghafari, design partner Moody Nolan and more than 20 trade contractors, including NCF CIM Fabricators, the structural steel contractor.

About the project: 86,375 man hours to date; 127,500 square feet; approximately $65 million construction value; designed for 750 students; scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year; and featuring career and technical education programming, JROTC, a school-based health center, multipurpose performance space and outdoor learning environments.

“Every neighborhood in our great city deserves a high-quality facility — today’s event celebrates a proud moment of our district moving a step forward.”