On a clear, cloud-free day, more than 100 supporters gathered Sunday in Warrenville to witness the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hubble Middle School.

“It’s hard to believe it’s here and that it’s really going to happen,” said Hubble Principal Beth Sullivan. “It’s a very exciting day for the community and for the School District.”

Construction started April 7 with trees cleared and the ground leveled. But city, school and construction officials hoisted gleaming shovels full of soil to officially mark the event. Community Unit School District 200 Superintendent Richard Drury proclaimed it “a historic day for District 200” and thanked all the voters who supported the referendum measure, along with staff, School Board officials and others who worked tirelessly to achieve the goal.

Speaking of former Warrenville Mayor Vivian Lund in attendance, Drury spoke of her contributions for “planting the seed” 10 years ago for a new school. Turning around to acknowledge her, he said, “Look what’s growing here today.”

The 190,000-square-foot building with a student capacity of 1,087 students will be one of the first designed “LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) for schools” facilities in the nation, a designation given by the U.S. Green Building Council

The goal is to provide enhanced student and staff health through design, thereby raising productivity and achievement while reducing energy costs. The school will accommodate a 500-seat auditorium; extended classrooms; large and small gyms; office, storage and computer facilities; a fitness center; a cafeteria with an open commons-type area; green roofs; and reflective “cool” roofs.

Members of the Hubble Middle School band with a few Wheaton Warrenville High School band members performed the Hubble Husky Fight Song and “The Star-Spangled Banner” as those in attendance sang along.

School Board President Andy Johnson reiterated his thanks to all who helped achieve the progress. He told the crowd that step one was the passage of the February referendum measure; step two was the groundbreaking; and step three will be the ribbon-cutting ceremony 19 months away.

“The start of the construction is the start of new memories for this school and also a win-win situation for the city of Wheaton,” Johnson said.

With tongue in cheek, Johnson asked the crowd, “Who had a good story about events leading up to this day?”

While people laughed, he said, “Let’s leave those all behind. ... It is such a thrill to be here and exciting that a building has been designed for the students it will serve.”

The plan to relocate Hubble from Wheaton proved controversial because the Warrenville site is adjacent to a BP Amoco research facility, where a cluster of tumors was discovered among employees who worked there. Opponents of the relocation plan believed there hasn’t been sufficient testing of the soil in Warrenville to demonstrate the land is safe for children.

Sullivan commended the School Board for “never becoming unprofessional during the entire process.”

Warrenville Mayor Dave Brummel invited everyone to “savor the moment,” to remember the day for its “far-reaching, positive benefits.” He said it was the best outcome at the most reasonable price.

Brummel acknowledged the possibility of discovering a passion for learning, finding mentors and the comforting thought of all the many families who will be nurtured by the new facility, “all invaluable assets.”

“It’s about time (for the groundbreaking) because we’ve been talking about this for a long time,” Cindi Copeland, a 23-year Warrenville resident, said in summing up the occasion. “It was worth all of the work being on the referendum committee.”

With cooperating weather and construction conditions, the new school is scheduled to open in fall 2009.