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 starting in the summer of 2026!
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 our residents and neighbors 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: [email protected]
Historical information can be found at: munroecenter.org/access
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 our residents and neighbors 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: [email protected]
Historical information can be found at: munroecenter.org/access
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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.
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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). |
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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. |
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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).
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).
November Update
It is starting to look real - the footings are in, and the attic is hopping with new HVAC mechanical equipment!
November will bring with it the heat again (and thanks to all for wearing sweaters as we moved the gas meter and awaited hook-up again!) You will see new heat pump cassettes in the studios, but they won't be hooked up until the spring. The digging in the back field is for the stormwater system.
PARKING: We ask that everyone refrains from stopping/idling to pick up students at the back door. This clogs up the driveway for those who are doing the quick drop-off. Park on Mass. Ave. and have your student text you when they are actually ready to get into your car (there is a window and waiting area inside the back door if the weather is cold or inclement). Second to that, park in a designated space in the lot or along Mass. Ave. and meet your student inside.
MunroeCam 10/28
It is starting to look real - the footings are in, and the attic is hopping with new HVAC mechanical equipment!
November will bring with it the heat again (and thanks to all for wearing sweaters as we moved the gas meter and awaited hook-up again!) You will see new heat pump cassettes in the studios, but they won't be hooked up until the spring. The digging in the back field is for the stormwater system.
PARKING: We ask that everyone refrains from stopping/idling to pick up students at the back door. This clogs up the driveway for those who are doing the quick drop-off. Park on Mass. Ave. and have your student text you when they are actually ready to get into your car (there is a window and waiting area inside the back door if the weather is cold or inclement). Second to that, park in a designated space in the lot or along Mass. Ave. and meet your student inside.
MunroeCam 10/28
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!