Trustees Approve Construction of New Academic Center

The 85,000-square-foot, three-story center will be located in the heart of the campus adjacent to the Werner Centennial Center and will complement the campus’ existing architecture.  It will feature a humanities wing, and a math and science wing surrounding a centrally located atrium and library.

In a letter announcing the decision, Headmaster Graham Cole and Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Armour '76 said, “Because this building is so vitally important to our school, our board has decided to do everything in its power to make this 21st-century academic center happen now and to enhance in a significant way the teaching and learning that stand at the core of what we do and do so well.”

Key features of the center include:

• a glass atrium offering informal meeting space for students and faculty during the class day, and a place for the entire school community to gather for assemblies and receptions
• a library that features small study/tutoring rooms for group work and collaboration, and a large reading room with majestic views that also will function as a beautiful community meeting place
• dedicated teaching and office space for each academic department
• classrooms and laboratories with state-of-the-art technology and flexible seating
• an amphitheater-style lecture hall for special presentations, visiting lecturers and standardized testing
• a planetarium for astronomy instruction; an expansive student store and lounge
  
• bright open spaces with large windows that maximize natural lighting and create a pleasant learning environment.

LEED Certification

The building will also make Westminster a leader in energy conservation since the school plans to seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Certification for the new center, which will utilize geothermal energy for heating and cooling, efficient mechanical systems and recycled materials.

Part of the Campus Master Plan

Graham Gund ’59, president of Gund Partnership, an award-winning architecture firm, and the firm’s lead architect, John Prokos, designed the center in conjunction with key trustees and members of the faculty. Gund Partnership has played a vital role in the development of the campus including the school’s master plan for facilities.

The new center will replace Baxter Academic Center, which was built in 1964 for a school community about half of the size it is today. Following completion of the new building, Baxter Academic Center will be taken down, creating a sweeping view of the Farmington Valley from Cushing Hall, the chapel, the Sixth Form Lawn and the new academic center.

A fund-raising effort is underway to secure private gifts to fund the $35.2 million project.  For additional information, please contact Scott Stevens at (860) 408-3002.