Shawmut Design and Construction breaks ground on $250 million Barrington Public Schools construction project

Barrington, RI Shawmut Design and Construction joined Barrington Public Schools, local and state leaders, educators, students, parents, and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $250 million district-wide school construction initiative that will modernize learning environments across Barrington High School and three elementary schools — Nayatt School, Primrose Hill School, and Sowams School.

“Across Rhode Island, we’ve had the honor of helping communities bring transformative school projects to life, and we’re proud to be part of this historic investment in Barrington,” said Chris Maury, head of Rhode Island operations and head of preconstruction, New England region at Shawmut. “The scale of this effort and the impact it will have across all four schools make it especially exciting. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the district as we help deliver modern learning environments that will serve Barrington students, families, and educators for generations.”

The project, the largest school facilities investment in the district’s history, is being delivered through a partnership among construction manager Shawmut Design and Construction, owner’s project manager LeftField Project Management, and Tecton Architects. Working closely with the Barrington School Building Committee, district leaders, educators, families, and community stakeholders, the team has developed a comprehensive plan that addresses aging infrastructure while creating modern schools designed to meet the needs of future generations.

The new facilities will feature secure entrances and modernized safety systems, enhanced accessibility, science and technology learning spaces, flexible classrooms designed to support collaboration and innovation, expanded special education and intervention spaces, larger cafeterias and gymnasiums, modern playgrounds, and additional classroom capacity to accommodate future enrollment needs. The project also includes upgraded heating, cooling, and clean-air systems that will create healthier learning environments while significantly reducing energy consumption and operating costs.

In addition to creating modern learning environments, the project represents a smart long-term investment for taxpayers. The work addresses more than $128 million in anticipated repairs and upgrades that would otherwise be required over the next fifteen years, replacing aging infrastructure with modern, sustainable facilities designed to serve students for decades. When complete, the new schools are expected to be approximately 75% more energy efficient than many of the district’s existing buildings.

Through active and completed projects spanning seven school districts, Shawmut has supported 16 Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) school construction projects across the state. The firm’s portfolio includes the $326 million Pawtucket High School; two schools in East Providence; three in North Providence; and one each in Cranston and North Kingstown, as well as completed projects including Pawtucket’s Baldwin Elementary School, Martin Middle School in East Providence, Hope High School in Providence, and Cranston’s Eden Park Elementary School.

“Across Rhode Island, RIDE, in close partnership with school and local leaders, is driving a historic transformation of learning spaces to better support high-quality teaching and learning. We’re proud to join Barrington for the official groundbreaking of its new high school,” said RIDE commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We know that when construction is aligned with high-quality instruction, both students and educators benefit. This new high school will bring 21^st-century design to life, preparing students to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”

Construction activities are already underway at Barrington High School, the first campus to enter active construction. Work will continue in phases across the district as Barrington Public Schools advances its vision of creating safe, modern, sustainable learning environments that support student success and strengthen the community for generations to come.

“Our new schools will provide students and staff with modern, inspiring spaces designed to support teaching and learning for decades,” said Robert Mitchell, interim superintendent of Barrington Public Schools. “This project is about creating safe, healthy, and inspiring learning environments where students can grow and thrive in our district. We are very grateful to our community, state partners, and everyone whose vision and dedication helped bring us to this historic moment.”