News: Construction Design & Engineering

Acella Const. completes Jackson Walnut Park School Student Center

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.

MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering

2026 hurricane season now underway - Interstate Electrical Services outlines proactive steps to safeguard commercial facilities against natural disasters

Billerica, MA With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season now underway, Interstate Electrical Services is urging commercial property owners and managers across the region to shift from emergency planning to a strategy of operational resilience.
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
It’s time to lead: Confronting mental health in construction - by David Watts

It’s time to lead: Confronting mental health in construction - by David Watts

As we close Mental Health Awareness Month, we must be clear: May isn’t just about ribbons, hashtags, or lunchtime mindfulness apps. It’s about responsibility to confront hard truths that linger in silence, and to challenge ourselves, as leaders in our industry, to do more.
Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza nears completion - by Frank Picozzi

Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza nears completion - by Frank Picozzi

After several years of planning, construction, and anticipation, the community is eagerly awaiting the opening of the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza and outdoor skating rink later this month.
Navigating tariffs and material  uncertainty in today’s construction market - by Karl Ginand and Tiffany Gallo

Navigating tariffs and material uncertainty in today’s construction market - by Karl Ginand and Tiffany Gallo

As headlines around tariffs seem to dominate the news daily, many considering construction projects have anticipated major cost escalations and widespread supply issues. While tariffs haven’t driven pricing spikes to the extent once feared, the lasting impact has been a new layer of uncertainty, affecting more than just budgets.
ABC-Mass. chairman’s message:  Rent control isn’t the answer to our housing crisis - by Luiza Mills

ABC-Mass. chairman’s message: Rent control isn’t the answer to our housing crisis - by Luiza Mills

As you may know, Massachusetts voters will be weighing in on a number of ballot initiatives in November. Among them is a proposal to impose the nation’s strictest statewide rent control policy. I’d like to tell you why the ABC MA Board