Suffolk hosts topping-off ceremony at Somerville High School: $256 million renovation and construction project

Shown (from left) are: Rich Raiche, Somerville director of engineering; Denis Garriepy, Suffolk project executive; Mary Skipper, Somerville Public Schools superintendent; mayor Joseph Curtatone; Tony Pierantozzi, chair, Somerville HS building committee; Carrie Normand, chair, school committee; Sebastian LaGambina, principal, Somerville HS; Dr. Emily Ackman, vice chair, school committee; Mary-Jo Rossetti, city councilor; and Leo DeSimone, associate principal, Somerville HS.

Somerville, MA The city and Suffolk held a topping-off ceremony at Somerville High School to mark a major milestone in the $256 million renovation and construction project – the installation of the final steel beam in the school’s new west wing, which is Phase One of the three-year project.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone and schools superintendent Mary Skipper participated in the event, during which the beam was set in place atop the new wing at the highest point of the new school. A second ceremony will be held when the final beam of the new eastern wing is installed.

The original building was constructed in 1895 and renovated in 1917, 1927 and 1986. Plans call for the renovation of the existing library, field house and spaces underneath, partial demolition and new construction. The 377,406 s/f high school building will be open and fully occupied for the 2020-21 school year and the grounds, including the athletic field, will be open for the 2021-22 school year.

When it is completed, the new campus will provide an innovative, and nurturing learning environment for nearly 1,600 students.

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