(BENTON, IL) — Floor plans were recently finalized by the Benton Grade School District 47 building committee for a new gym at Benton Grade School. Plans calls for the new gym to extend into what is now a parking lot on the north side of the grade school. Plans call for an entryway, two full-size basketball courts, bleacher seating, a concessions area, a stage and storage area. The project will be funded using the county’s one-percent sales tax that is set aside for school construction and maintenance projects. Some sacrifices were made to stay within the $3 million budget for the gym. They include doing away with windows and electric shades for the gym so a more attractive lobby can be created and not redoing the locker rooms so money can be spent on better acoustic design. Heating, cooling and lighting for the gym was also discussed, but the committee decided to hold off on making a decision on those items until a later time. Bidding for the project will take a few months, but the committee hopes to break ground on the project this summer. Work is expected to take nine to 10 months to complete.