Home Improvement

 

 

Home Improvement

Four capital projects are underway this fall. 


 

BY BRENDA BULLIED, DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES

Construction during the pandemic has been anything but “normal.” The industry has experienced higher materials costs, longer lead times, remote work schedules, and safety protocols designed to protect workers from Covid exposure.

Despite the challenges, Pomfret is fortunate to have four major capital improvement projects in various stages of construction underway on campus this fall. And while we might not have as many home improvement projects as former Head of School Bradford Hastings ’68 did during his tenure, we certainly are doing them in a shorter period of time under some very unusual circumstances.

Jahn Rink was the first project to enter into construction in February and is in the final stages of completion. The project had been discussed for several years as our ice-making equipment was at the end of its useful life and a recent building envelope report noted significant deficiencies in the existing exterior building skin. The upgraded rink has a completely new mechanical room and ice-making equipment, new insulated walls and roof, and a new dehumidification system that will allow us to run the rink from September 1 through April 1 each year.

As soon as the students departed campus for the summer, our second major project began. Scaffolding was installed around the School Building in order to remove and replace the original slate roof. The project involved the removal and repair of the clock tower as well. Days before students returned for the fall term, the scaffolding was removed to reveal a spectacular copper accented slate roof and a rebuilt clock tower. The bells are ringing once again on campus.
 


Pomfret is known for its historic buildings and homes that house our amazing faculty. In recent years we have made many improvements to our faculty housing but have found ourselves lacking in both inventory and right-sized housing. We are excited to be building three new houses that will overlook Buck’s Barn Field. The two three-bedroom and single four-bedroom homes incorporate design elements from the nearby buildings on campus so they blend in seamlessly with the Pomfret landscape. Our expected completion date is March 2022.
 


Our final endeavor will be a renovation and upgrade to Hard Auditorium. Focusing on our goals of community and accessibility, we are upgrading the auditorium to provide seating for our entire student body and faculty. In addition to expanded seating, the project includes increased accessibility from all floors of the building, a state-of-the-art performing arts space, upgrades to the electrical systems to bring them up to code, and newly installed air conditioning. The project is currently out to bid and is expected to be complete in the spring.

What I have always known about the construction industry is the importance of creating healthy working relationships with consultants, architects, and general contractors. Creating and maintaining these relationships has been the most imperative in overcoming the challenges of building in a Covid world. I look forward to welcoming everyone to campus to share in our successes this year.

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