10/286/22 Groundbreaking for New Hunnewell Elementary School

Joined by the W.T. Rich and Compass Project Management partnership, Wellesley community and Permanent Building Committee members held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for the new Hunnewell Elementary School. The original facility, which was built in 1938 and had surpassed its serviceable life, was demolished over the summer.

Slated for substantial completion in February 2024, the new 76,500 square foot Hunnewell Elementary School will serve 365 students. The 18-classroom building will include a gymnasium, a warming kitchen, a cafetorium, administrative offices and three neighborhood classrooms on the first floor. The second floor will consist of additional neighborhood classroom clusters and a library, as well as a STEM lab and music and art rooms. The building is targeting Net Zero Ready construction and an all-electric mechanical system.

With learning commons for collaboration, classrooms oriented to the quiet side of the building and a compact 2-story structure built for efficiency, the new school is being designed around the pedagogical needs of the students it will serve – right now and for future generations. It will also allow after-hour access to the cafetorium and gymnasium for Wellesley community members.

As a leader in K-12 construction, W.T. Rich understands that the hopes and dreams of young students are best achieved through an excellent education. We are extremely proud to be part of this project and cannot wait to help deliver the new Hunnewell Elementary School to the Wellesley community.

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