CARY – Beyond the massive concrete panel walls of the new Cary-Grove auditorium structure, John Jordan saw great opportunity for future students.

Jordan, co-founder of the Cary-Grove Fine Arts Foundation, walked Thursday with a small group of school district officials and other interested community members through the new auditorium, on track but still in progress.

Demolition of the former theater began in the fall and project manager Josh Warriner, of Barrington-based Pepper Construction, said the $8.5 million project is well on track to be completed by the start of the 2015-2016 school year.

The Cary-Grove Fine Arts Foundation contributed about $1.5 million while the remaining $7 million will come from District 155’s annual budget, approved last May.

After the tour through various spaces that didn’t exist in the previous building – a multipurpose room, a scene shop, men’s and women’s dressing rooms, a box office and a fly-loft, among other features – Jordan said he could see great potential in the building, now mostly filled with construction equipment and dust.

“I see an opportunity for people to connect,” said Jordan, who graduated from the high school in 2004 after participating in spring choir and other theater-related activities. “This was a place where we were able to connect before school, during rehearsals during the day, after school and at night.”

The roughly 27,000-square-foot building will offer plenty of space for that. It also will offer air conditioning and heating, 670 seats, an orchestra pit, and a large stage that stands about 47 feet high.

“This is the first time we’ve seen it,” said Dave Wilhelmi of the fine arts foundation, adding they initially just wanted air conditioning and more seats. “I’m shocked. I didn’t believe it was going to be this big, but it’s just spectacular.

“The space, the size, all the rooms, from the control room to the dressing rooms to the scene shop. It’s just way more than what I expected.”

Warriner said much of the focus throughout construction has been on the acoustical properties – careful duct work to ensure quiet airflow during shows, rough brick, and future carpet placing are all important points, he said.

Next comes various plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, he added.

“After we wrap that up, we’ll start some of the interior finishes,” Warriner said, adding that’s when the theater will start “coming to life.”

As the project heads into its last few months, Wilhelmi stressed the importance of cooperation between the different entities involved, adding the district and the school board have offered invaluable support. District officials also have been working with Cary leaders throughout the process in light of current controversy regarding the Crystal Lake South High School bleachers.

Cary-Grove High School Vice Principal Rebecca Saffert said the auditorium will be an exciting addition for more than just school plays and performances. All students will benefit, she said, from plays and choir performances on stage to pom and cheerleading practices in the multipurpose room.

Wilhelmi echoed the sentiment.

“This isn’t just about the theater,” he said. “The whole school will be able to take advantage of this.”