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New Wing Unveiled at Upper School

The beautiful new wing of the Upper School Building and Renovation project opened on time and on budget at the start of the 2007-08 school year.

After three years of planning, construction, and hard work by the entire BB&N community, the much anticipated new wing of the Upper School Building and Renovation project has opened, generating excitement among faculty, staff, and students.

“The result is breathtaking,” said Head of School Rebecca T. Upham. “We can see clearly now how this space will encourage collaboration among students and faculty.”

No longer having to dodge construction tape and trucks, students made their way through the brand new glass front entry way on the first day of classes, catching their first glimpse of the new wing as it was unveiled during a morning assembly.

“I'm still in shock/overwhelmed by the new building. It's HUGE!” said David Seliger '08.  “Yes, I toured it three times during construction, but that really didn't prepare me for actually having classes in there. The acoustics in the jazz room are fantastic, the bay windows are refreshing, and I want the art studio to be my new home. I was even surprised to see new walls, floors, etc. creep into the old wings.”  

The new campus is a revelation, especially to long-standing faculty members. “The new wing gives the school an interior center that is clearly visible, a space where we can see ourselves going to classes, eating together, talking together. We never had this before,” said Upper School art teacher John Norton. “The building is fun as a place to travel through with several surprises along the way. Many of the details are well thought out and, at times, playful or inspired. The landscape design is very subtle and supportive of the whole idea of creating not just a place but a space that you want to be in.”   

US English teacher and Grade 11 Dean Beth McNamara pointed out that the expanded space will benefit students and faculty alike.

“The new space is exciting—it gives students more places to settle in during the day, and the increase in offices, meeting rooms, and classrooms will really help the faculty as well,” she said.

US math teacher Al Coons, who has been visually documenting the project since the groundbreaking, noted how the building reflects careful thought about the needs of people as well as a particular “artistic flair.”

“It reflects a school that is quickly changing by considering more mature programs,” Coons said.  “It suggests our mission is no longer along a narrow hallway but rather involves collaborative growth involving many initiatives from all points of the circle of our needs and desires.”

The finishing touches were put on the new addition over the summer, completing the Student Commons/dining center, internet café, front lobby, and reception area, along with life-safety upgrades throughout all the existing Upper School buildings.

“I've been a part of eight building projects in the 35 years I've been involved in education and this project far and away has been the smoothest and easiest,” said Upper School Director Jack Knapp. “It's important to remember that the genius of this School is the act of teaching, and this building will provide an environment for that to flourish.”

The new wing was made possible by the support of BB&N's Opening Minds campaign, which targeted $26 million of its $62 million goal to the Upper School building and renovation project.