Renovations to the former Desert Hills Middle School gymnasium are underway to convert the space into a new home for Mid-Columbia Partnership, Kennewick School District’s homeschool program.

The $6.7 million renovation is expected to be completed in December and open its doors to K-12 homeschoolers on Jan. 3, following the winter break.

The partnership’s new home at 5980 W. 12th Ave. is adjacent to Fuerza Elementary School and will comprise 24,000 square feet, consisting of 11 classrooms, a gym, cafeteria, administrative offices and flex spaces.

Mid-Columbia Partnership currently is housed in portable classrooms next to the Fruitland building.

Joe Hampton of Kennewick-based MMEC Architects & Interiors designed the renovations.

Benton City’s Alliance Management & Construction Solutions and Kennewick’s Chervenell Construction Co. were the major contractors on the project.