New Main Entry
We are very excited to be bringing about our construction project that will make our building fully accessible (and ADA compliant), and move away from fossil fuels by converting from gas to heat pumps. This includes building-wide air conditioning.
We are grateful for a supportive community who stand with us as we move through construction. We will remain operational during the construction this coming year. There will be some traffic flow changes in the parking lot and other hiccups, but we are committed to serving our full community in the best way possible. Thank you to everyone for their continued support and patience as we create this legacy for our children, and a welcoming space for all now. Thank you to everyone who has helped us get this far - it has been years in the making!
For any questions, please contact the MCA Executive Director: cristina@munroecenter.org
August Update
Next up is widening some doorways and finishing up adding accessible door hardware. We will also be adding handrails to the Mass. Ave. entrances, and as a side project, will be installing new doors and steps. Lots has been happening on the HVAC front (though not much visibly), including bringing in more electricity and a giant transformer. Site work has begun on bringing back more parking spaces as well!
July Update
The connector between the main building and the new structure is up, and the exterior is being waterproofed. Once that is done the elevator can be installed. More fine tuning work continues on the HVAC and mini-splits as well as the larger work of connecting a new compressor to the mains electric. This month the new accessible door hardware is being installed. We are hoping to "move in" early in the fall.
June Update
What we have learned with this project is that a lot of work happens invisibly, like figuring out fireproofing for a chase that holds HVAC ductwork, or pivoting to figure out a more solid foundation once you dig up the ground underneath the space. But all that is to say, things are moving along! We are seeing the connection to the new section being framed now, and the mini split pipes being insulated. The beginning of July we begin installing new door hardware that is ADA compliant, and you can see templates for new room signage up for review now. Once the hard work of construction is finished, new flooring and wall paint will emerge, we can't wait!
April Update
Some things are exciting to see, like the new front entry emerge from the construction out back - and some things are just messy, like all the front yard digging to bring in more power for the new electrical systems, or removal of steps inside for accessibility. Earlier this month we got HDC approval for new front doors, and new outdoor steps with proper handrails. Next month we will visit HDC again to review our new site lighting as part of the construction project. We look forward to moving through this messy stage and onto something beautiful!
Late March Update It is so busy right now, we have 2 updates this month!
In the coming weeks, workers will be adding some serious ductwork to the middle floor. Next month we see some really big changes - starting April vacation week, the entire ground floor will have new flooring, doorways will be widened, and the boiler will be removed. Stay tuned for a fun photo documentary of the boiler coming to social media next month! That space will eventually become a new seating area.
No access to the ground floor from 4/20 - 5/1 (estimated) - with the exception of restrooms
Building entry will be through the front doors only.
NEXT UP: electrical conduits are being laid for the mini splits, and we are looking forward to a/c in late summer. The back yard is a mess from stormwater retention work, but it will go back to a lush green field as well as parking - yes, before you know it we will be back to a full parking lot of 43 spots (thanks for everyone's patience as we have navigated 18 this winter).
March Update
Hats off to our hard-working, weather-tolerant construction team! Outside the elevator stack is up and they are building the actual walls. Inside the HVAC ductwork is moving down from the attic and will be moving into the studios this month. We remind everyone to pay attention to the cones in the parking lot and not to park between them, which blocks the driveway area.
Saturday, March 28 from 1-4pm we will be having a community meeting to discuss the summer stage area in the front yard. Details will be provided in upcoming MCA newsletters (reservations are required to manage space occupancy limits, but there will be alternate participation via webinar).
February Update
The elevator stack has taken form, and the main entry structure is being built around it. Hiding in the storage pod behind it is the actual elevator. Inside our building, crews have been working to lay the electrical wiring, ductwork, and piping for the HVAC. By early May we expect to be saying goodby to our beloved (but antiquated) boiler.
We have engaged a facilitator and are working to identify dates for a community conversation around the proposed stage and canopy in the front yard. Watch this space for upcoming details.
January Update
A lot cannot be seen because it is ductwork happening in the attic! But you can also notice some new heat pump cassettes on the walls and copper piping for the air conditioning. Behind the building you can see the elevator shaft being built.
Separately, we are looking to formalize the stage & canopy area in the front yard (May - Oct.) after a successful summer camp and lemonade social this year, along with many comments from people who enjoyed seeing a vibrant front yard as they walked or drove past. We are working to develop renderings and will be setting up two public charrettes (discussion sessions) to look at what best serves our community. This space would build upon last summer's activity and relaunch our monthly performing arts series that was put on-hold during the pandemic.
December Update
12/2 - The chimney is coming down to make way for the corridor to the new elevator annex! During this time, the side door will be unlocked for entry from the parking lot. The attic is being filled with ductwork and has brought with it some cold air (a testament to how well our attic insulation project is working that no heat escapes there). The backfill for the infiltration chambers is soon to be complete (alas! no swimming pool there despite what it looked like).
October Update
A backhoe has arrived and begins the work of excavating where the new addition will go. We are channeling our inner 5 year old as we watch with glee out the windows! Foundation work will continue throughout the month. Later this month hangers will be installed for future HVAC piping in the hallways, HVAC equipment will get hauled up into the attic, and site drainage work will be happening in the larger field area behind the parking lot. Watch the first MunroeCam video here to see the progress!
Artists have joined the project to create whimsical creations in our pollinator garden - the most recent being a a salvaged fan system from an older classroom univentilator, aka "squirrel cage" - stay tuned as this gets transformed! #onlyatanartscenter
September Update
Noise is a Sign of Progress! - Work continues with removing old ductwork from the restroom areas, hallways, and some studios.
August Update
Construction has started with the restrooms on the middle and top floors being demolished. We continue to have male/female restrooms on the ground floor, and a gender neutral restroom across from the MCA office on the middle floor. As everyone prepares for fall semester, we ask that all students and families do not creatively park along the fence (which makes it hard for parked cars to back up safely). Please park in designated parking spots, or along Mass. Ave. This is the season to get our steps in! It takes a community, and we thank everyone for being here and being part of this legacy project.
July Update (7/23)
The construction fencing will arrive tomorrow, Friday 7/24! The upcoming three weeks will focus on site preparations in the back yard.
We will continue to have parking in the lot behind the building, and along Massachusetts Avenue (see parking spots in blue, in graphic to the left).
Anyone who wants to learn more, or has questions is invited to attend our Lemonade Social on Friday 8/1 @ 6:30pm, where we will have renderings and diagrams and our Capital Projects Chairperson + Executive Director to chat with.
July 2025 Update
We are delighted to welcome Constagna Construction to the design team. We await our first meeting in the first weeks of this month to discuss project phasing, and what happens when. Next, we expect to see the construction fence go up. When this happens, the parking lot will have a new traffic pattern. There will continue to be parking behind the building as well as Mass. Ave. During the summer, we are prioritizing 9am parking for teachers in the four spaces along the driveway.
June 2025 Update
We are waiting for the contractor paperwork to be completed, and are looking forward to a meeting in the next few weeks to discuss the schedule of construction. While we are expecting to be able to use a portion of the back field, we have moved the summer camp outdoor activities to the front yard as we kick off summer camp this month (snack, lunch, and recess). We have constructed an "art fence" along Mass. Ave. to separate camp activities from the sidewalk, and look forward to camper contributions!
May 2025 Update
On May 22, we received 11 favorable bids, and the Town is now in the contract process to secure our general contractor.
The construction process is expected to begin in early July. Once MCA begins our meetings with the new contractor in late June, we will have more details on what to expect when.
April 2025 Update
NEXT UP: May 22 - bids come in from interested contractors. June - setting up a construction fence, and getting a start on the work.