Newton, MA Acella Construction Corp. now celebrating its 15th year in business, completed a new Student Center for Jackson Walnut Park School.

The 10,346 s/f center houses a new full gymnasium, theatrical stage, expansive culinary kitchen and classroom space to accommodate elementary school children in grades K-6 and faculty at the school, located at 55 Walnut Park. As such, the expansion meets the school’s 21st century needs and is the realization of its “Building Our Future” vision to “Open the Mind and Grow the Heart” for its students.  The new Student Center is situated in the heart of the schools’ Newton campus.

The two-phase project, which broke ground in June of 2017, included major site work to provide new outdoor class and playground space. The Student Center was constructed during the 2017-2018 academic year on an active campus.  The project also included landscaping beautification across the campus.

“It’s always satisfying to see a project come to fruition and we are particularly proud that we were involved in one that will benefit students and faculty in a myriad of ways,” said Dave Dirubbo, president of Acella Const.  “And we are delighted that the new space complements the school’s historic landmark building – an 1867 Second Empire mansion – with a contemporary design that promotes 21st century learning.”

Acella’s Ryan Klebes, senior project manager and LEED AP, oversaw project construction working in partnership with Troy Randall of Ai3 Architects and Traverse Landscape Architects. Pare Corp. and Griffith & Vary, Inc. of provided engineering services for the new Center; Kevin Hines of Hines Project Management, LLC served as owner project manager.