After years of dust, fumes and moving boxes, the newly renovated Brien McMahon School is opening its doors to students.

The $74 million overhaul, which began in 2003, is nearly 85 percent complete. Students and staff are moving into the west section of the building, which includes an auditorium, media center, classrooms and administrative offices. Officials say the new building is bright and airy with an additional 130,000 square feet. The whole school is also air-conditioned. The school's principal said despite some confusion, everyone is finding their way around.

The project was part of former Mayor Alex Knopp's $200 million citywide school renovation and construction program. Construction at the school is scheduled to be complete by July.