Bar Harbor, ME Wright-Ryan Construction, in partnership with the Bar Harbor School Department and Harriman, celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the new Conners Emerson School with a topping out ceremony held on April 18. The event marked the placement of one of the final structural steel beams of the future home of the pre-K – eighth grade school currently under construction on the site of the existing Conners Elementary and Emerson Middle Schools.
Held at 11:30 a.m., prior to an “early release” just before the school’s April vacation, the ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff, community members, and project partners to commemorate the occasion. In a show of pride and shared investment, members of the school community – along with the construction team and tradespeople – signed the beam before it was hoisted into place.
Remarks were offered by Dr. Heather Webster, principal of Conners Emerson School, and Alan Sparn, PE, president of Wright-Ryan Construction. Superintendent Michael Zboray of the Mount Desert Island Regional School System was also in attendance for the celebration.
“The history of Wright-Ryan’s work with local communities across the state spans more than 40 years,” said Sparn. “We are proud to be known for Building Maine’s Great Spaces – including some of the most complex and innovative projects in the region. Serving the Bar Harbor School community through this transformative project is among the most rewarding work we do. We are grateful to be celebrating this milestone with you, and we look forward to the successful completion of the project.”
The locally funded school project held an official groundbreaking ceremony in early November of 2024, shortly after the start of construction, and is scheduled for substantial completion in the Fall of 2026. Designed by Harriman, the 100,000 s/f, multi-story facility will serve students from pre-K through eighth grade. The project includes site improvements, sustainable features such as a geothermal heating/cooling system, and the eventual demolition of the existing school buildings following completion of the new facility.
As construction manager, Wright-Ryan is leading all construction activities on the project. The firm’s role reflects its growing presence in DownEast Maine and continued commitment to serving communities across northern New England. Wright-Ryan’s approach emphasizes local hiring, workforce development, and community collaboration throughout every phase of construction.