Munroe School Building: Stewardship

The artists and educators at Munroe have the greatest of respect for the Munroe School Building, and great appreciation to the Town of Lexington for letting us use it.

The non-profit Munroe Center for the Arts acts as the building manager, and has made many improvements over the years. It has been able to do this inexpensively because, as a community-based non-profit, it has been able to recruit volunteer labor and in-kind donations. Additionally, the building has received extensive attention, labor, and time from board members who are professional architects and contractors.

Munroe spent about $130,000 on capital improvements from 1996-2006. This is quite apart from the approximately $450,000 it has spent on routine buiding expenses (maintenance, repairs, oil, water), and it is also separate from tenants' leasehold improvements, which have been extensive (e.g. dance floors).

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Heating System. Installed new oil burner; installed heating system in lower level; installed six new oil tanks and built an oil tank room; replaced 2 hot water heaters; replaced boiler pump and vents; installed heating wires on roof overhang to reduce icing.

Electrical System. Upgraded electrical system throughout building; installed motion detector lights, timers, and outlets; replaced old light fixtures; replaced light ballasts; installed new lighting.

Plumbing. Conducted major repairs on sewer pipes; upgraded sewage overflow system; installed automatic shutoff handles for faucets; replaced flushometers; installed new toilets.

Structural. Renovated classrooms and studios; added new tile floors, cabinets, and partitions; replaced carpeting and stair treads; built gallery; installed new wood floor; constructed office space; painting; renovated windows; improved doors and windows for better insultation.

Safety. Removed asbestos from throughout the building; upgraded fire alarm system; installed emergency lighting in lower level; upgraded emergency lighting throughout building; installed smoke detectors; repaired smoke/fire alarm system damaged by lightning;

Americans with Disabilities Act. Installed code handicap toilet on lower level; built wheelchair ramp from back parking lot.

Exterior. Widened driveway to allow two-way traffic; added new landscaping; replaced sidewalks; installed French drains; painting.