Lee Kennedy Co. has been awarded an extensive renovation and expansion project by The Boston Conservatory. The $18 million project is the first in over 50 years for the performing arts institute. The project will provide new and renovated performance and rehearsal spaces as well as technical and utility upgrades. Lee Kennedy Co.'s team has been working with New York City-based Handel Architects, owner's representative KVAssociates and the Conservatory on preconstruction services for over a year to plan the complex project. Construction officially began this month with completion slated for October 2010. "This is an exciting time in the Conservatory's history as we prepare to transform our theater building and improve the learning and performing experience for our students, faculty and audiences. Lee Kennedy Co. is a builder of special qualifications and we are very proud to be working with them on this project," says Richard Ortner, president of The Boston Conservatory. New construction consists of a four-story, 32,000 s/f facility to house dance studios and an orchestra rehearsal hall. The existing three-story building next door will be renovated to include a 300-seat theater with state-of-the-art audio/ visual, lighting, dimming and rigging systems and back-of-house functions. Additional renovations will include replacing the existing roof truss system with structural steel and installing all new MEP and HVAC systems. Located on narrow Hemenway St. in downtown, logistics are a key concern that will require close collaboration with the Conservatory, the city of Boston, abutters, and subcontractors to maintain accessibility and minimize impact on the neighborhood. This latest construction award adds to Lee Kennedy Co.'s already extensive academic portfolio. The Boston Conservatory project will join work already underway at Boston College, Wheelock College, Wellesley College and MIT - all projects won since the last half of 2008.