PROVO, Utah -- Moving Provo High School may mean a bigger, better facility for students. But, now that it's moving, some nearby businesses are worried about how the change is going to impact them.
"It's just going to be slow every day now that they're going to be gone," said Pablo Vea, Events Manager at Fat Cats in Provo.
Daytime business at Fat Cats is driven by the 1,700 high school students right across the street.
"They'll buy anything. Fries, drinks, Costa Vida, if they're hungry they'll do it," Vea said.
From lunchtime to P.E. classes at the bowling ally, Provo High gives them a guaranteed daytime rush.
"We expect high schoolers to come in," Vea said. "We're always prepared for them to come in."
Making the announcement of the school's relocation from its current site at 1125 North University Avenue to school district owned land at 3000 Lake Shore Drive was unwelcome news for the bowling ally.
"I'm so sad to see Provo High School leave though," Vea said.
Some students and parents feel the same way.
"It's been a thing that has been here in the center of Provo, and I kind of hate to see it move, but I realize the opportunities that will be available to them will be a great experience," said Leslie Rife, who is a Provo High School Alumni and a parent with a student attending the school.
Plans to construct the new school will begin immediately. The district's goal is to have it completed by 2018--meaning juniors at the current high school will be the last to graduate there.
"I'm pretty happy that I get to finish out my high school career at Provo High," Rife said.
The school district says this decision comes despite recent bids for the property.
"It really came down to what was in the best interest for students, to give them the best facility, to have their education, and to take care of the needs of students as we go forward," said Caleb Price, Coordinator of Public Relations for the Provo City School District.
The big question for students, parents and businesses is: Who will buy the property? The school says they have multiple offers, but are not releasing any specific information at this time.
