Affton High Gym Getting First Paint Job Since 1955

For the first time since the building opened in 1955, the gymnasium is getting a fresh coat of paint.

The painters started Monday by clearing dust and scuzz from the roof scaffolding. The paint job is expected to take two to three weeks.

Until the painting is done, the gym is off limits to students.

Originally painted white, the roof has since faded and dirtied to a dark gray. Affton High Principal Sue Jackson said she was excited to brighten up the place.

The cougar mural on the wall of the gym will not be covered, but the school will touch up the mural's edges once the larger paint job is done.

The gym was featured in the 2009 George Clooney film Up in the Air.

Patch will return throughout the coming weeks to show the gym's transformation.