A topping-off ceremony was held to commemorate placement of the final steel beam on the new $1.7 million expressive arts center and gymnasium at Oak Meadow Montessori School. Construction of the 7,000 s/f combined arts and cultural center began in March and is expected to be open for the students return in September.
Prior to the topping off ceremony, students and faculty will have the opportunity to sign the beam. "All of our students were thrilled to see the beam that they had signed being hoisted into place in the roof structure of our new athletics and performing arts center. At a time when many schools are being forced to cut funding for the arts and athletics, we are proud that Oak Meadow is investing in the performing arts, visual arts, and athletics programs for our students," said Dave Stettler, head of school.
The combined arts and cultural center will be acoustically isolated from the gym by a sliding partition wall. This project will create a large meeting space where, for the first time the entire school can gather together. The increased space will allow for a greatly expanded arts, music and physical education program for the children. The renovation of the existing school will create additional library space for each age group of students and new office space for the faculty and admissions staff. "The design idea behind this project was to create multiple uses for each new space, allowing for the most effective use of the budget, while expanding on the school's desire to offer arts and expressive activities throughout the daily curriculum," said Patti Seitz, of Seitz Architects.
"As per design, we will be including super high insulation throughout the project as well as ultra efficient heating systems. We're installing energy saving lighting and lighting controls and will achieve maximum use of day lighting," said Tony Pagano, project manager for Delta.
On the exterior of the building there will be a peace garden created. This garden will have seating and will be protected by building on all sides. One of the features of this garden will showcase a rain garden which will recycle the rain run off from the roof into native plantings that surround the building.
The fast track project is largely funded by a fundraiser that was initiated by the parents of Oak Meadow students.
Shown (from left) are: Jeff Nelson, facilities manager, Oak Meadow Montessori School; Paul Fantoni, superintendent, Delta Design & Construction, Inc.; and Derek Pelletier, president, Delta Design & Construction, Inc.

Delta Design & Construction Inc. based in Medford, Mass. was founded in 2002 as a construction management/general contracting firm, specializing in education, restaurant/retail and commercial construction projects.