Although Central High School No. 9 in downtown Los Angeles has a completed campus, the school slated to open in the fall still lacks a principal, a staff, a curriculum, a permanent name and a method for admitting students.

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L.A.’s new arts high school remains an unfinished project

Central High School No. 9 -- Finished campus

Although Central High School No. 9 in downtown Los Angeles has a completed campus, the school slated to open in the fall still lacks a principal, a staff, a curriculum, a permanent name and a method for admitting students. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Central High School No. 9 -- In the library

Richard Alonzo, superintendent of LAUSD’s Local District 4, walks through the library of the $232-million campus -- believed to be the second most expensive public high school ever built in the United States. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Central High School No. 9 -- Classroom with a view

Project manager Armando De La O lowers the blinds in a classroom in the arts building. There is debate over whether the campus should be a neighborhood school or one that accepts the most talented students citywide. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Central High School No. 9 -- Aerial view

Alonzo points to an aerial photo of the campus. He says that at least in its early years, 1,200 of the school’s 1,700 seats will be reserved for students from surrounding neighborhoods, primarily the low-income enclaves of Pico-Union and Chinatown. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Central High School No. 9 -- Iron flourish

A tower on the campus looms over the 101 Freeway. Partly at the urging of philanthropist Eli Broad, the district decided to turn the Grand Avenue site into an arts school that would anchor Broads Grand Avenue Project and embrace the major arts institutions within walking distance. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)