Construction & Renovation

Building the Future Hathaway Brown School renovations

Research demonstrates that creativity and engagement are spurred by open, vibrant, cross-functional spaces designed to elicit collaboration and teamwork, but Hathaway Brown’s classrooms were not originally built with any of those considerations in mind.

Together with architects from GUND Partnership, Hathaway Brown will be updated and modernized to ensure the school’s physical spaces optimally support its educational mission and programs while also providing a comfortable and inspiring setting that enables faculty and students to perform at their best.

Flexibility of space is critical to expanding and creating collaborative educational opportunities for students in each division. New common gathering and multipurpose areas will reflect HB’s fundamental value of sisterhood.

Building the future at HB includes thoughtfully constructing new spaces and aligning current spaces with the school's longstanding pedagogical values of:

innovation
collaboration
creativity
critical thinking
cross-disciplinary competencies
character and
community.

Architectural plans employ HB's historically modern aesthetic and retain the classic architectural features. While honoring the character that defines the HB experience, the renovations make space more appropriate for the needs of today’s students.

Live Stream

Coming soon!

Watch live as we Build the Future.

Alma mater is how people refer to their schools, but in literal translation, alma mater means nourishing mother. HB has nourished the minds and hearts of generations of girls who have grown up in her halls. Now it is time to tend to her with the love and care she deserves.

Building the Future

Building the future at Hathaway Brown School is an intentional progression of projects. The plan makes every effort to minimize disruption to the educational environment and does not adversely affect student admission or faculty retention. It calls for:

Implementing a series of vital improvements to the physical plant
Refreshing architectural aesthetics
Constructing environmentally sustainable and technologically innovative classrooms and common spaces and
Enhancing athletic facilities.

Upper School Classic Building

Project

The jewel of campus is the Classic Academic Center. Built 93 years ago to serve as the school's main entrance, it is a grand architectural landmark and tangible representation of the school’s history and proud tradition.

While HB has reimagined the learning space in the Classic Academic Center over the years, the floor plan does not reflect the current need for dynamic and flexible classroom and community spaces.

This renovation elevates the Upper School Fellowships for Applied Studies — bringing the fellowships in physical proximity to each other and allowing for new and unique opportunities for collaboration. It also allows for this innovative programming to be easily showcased during admission tours with prospective families.

Plans

Estimated completion: fall 2021

Update existing classrooms and build new spaces to reflect HB’s distinguished academics
New community gathering spaces facilitate collaboration and connection between both students and teachers
Renovations incorporate basic facility and technological improvements while being mindful of environmental sustainability
Renovation in the Classic Building is a re-imagination of existing classroom environments with:
- more natural light
- the creation of living room-style gathering and study spaces to support the social and emotional well-being of students
- critical infrastructure improvements such as the installation of new HVAC and sprinkler systems
This 15-month project involves renovating and updating one wing of the building at a time. Construction started with the north wing — the main front hallway that spans between the Ahuja Auditorium and the dance studio.

West Side of Campus

Upgrades to the west side of campus expand the Primary School parking lot on Courtland Boulevard to make the area more accessible and accommodating for the youngest students and their families.

Completion: August 2020

A new structure with office space for the buildings and grounds caretakers and maintenance team members will be constructed near the school.

Estimated completion: November 2020

Primary School

Project

The Link Academic Center connects the Prime and Classic Academic Centers. This building houses the Early Childhood Program and Infant & Toddler Center. Re-imagination of the Prime and Link Academic Centers enable more comprehensive programming for this cohort of students and increases the likelihood of their matriculation into ensuing school divisions. The project also calls for redesigned student drop-off and parent parking for better safety and security. This new point of entry creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that characterizes HB's vibrant spirit.

Plans

A plan for the Prime and Link Academic Centers is being developed in partnership with GUND Partnership architects. The renovation will include:

Updated HVAC systems
Expanded community spaces
Classrooms with more natural light and
Support for the social and emotional well-being of the students and
Flexibility and technology for teachers to deliver HB's distinguished academics