ST. JOHN | A modular classroom complex recently constructed on the south side of Lake Central High School can house hundreds of students until building renovations at complete.

The 10,000-square-foot structure includes eight classrooms and features many components typical to a school, such as a hallway, restrooms, fire alarms and a public address system, Ed Vargo, director of construction, told the School Board on Monday.

The unit was manufactured in Rochester, Ind., and is leased from Indianapolis-based Tyson Corp. Leasing costs were not available, and administrators have not announced as yet what classes will be offered in the new building.

The classrooms were ordered in the spring and delivered early this month. The structure took less than two weeks to assemble.

Students will be able to access the building from the high school. A sidewalk has been poured on the west side, and electrical work will be performed this week.

School Board President Margaret Clark said she was impressed by the quality of the structural workmanship of the unit, which includes steel fabrication.

Renovations at the 71-acre high school campus will be completed in stages through 2014.

The first phase began this summer with upgrades to the hallway. The second phase will begin next summer and include expansion of the cafeteria.