Strategic Plan in Action
Homelike Dorms Become Reality
|
Students found cooler classrooms in St. Margaret's Hall and a more homelike Latané when they returned to campus this fall. The extensive renovations were made possible by donors to the Strengthening our Foundations campaign-and there's still time to join in. "We needed to move quickly because summer is the best time for upgrading facilities,"said Head of School Margaret R. Broad. As a result, the school began construction in early June with the help of a bridge loan from Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia. Parents and Board members have pledged approximately $900,000 of the project's estimated $1M cost. Mrs. Broad is hopeful that other donors will step forward to close the gap so that the school can move forward with the next steps of its campus master plan. "The difference that these improvements make in the lives of our students is huge," she said. "It's truly amazing that we've been able to raise most of the money in just 6 months, and to do the work in 12 short weeks." Chief Financial Officer Nancy Smith agrees. On top of their usual duties, she and Director of Maintenance Jimmy Townsend supervised the construction. Their job was made easier by Henderson General Contractors of Williamsburg. "Outstanding communication and coordination are what allow them to move at the pace that they do," Mrs. Smith said. She, Mrs. Broad, and Mr. Townsend met twice monthly with Henderson staff and representatives from the 13 different subcontractors working on the job. The latter included parent Chris Fisher (Emily '02, Blair '05), owner of W.A. Fisher Electrical, along with Board of Governors member Nita Enoch '71 of Nita Enoch Interiors. The meetings ensured the accountability essential to completing the ambitious project within such a compressed timeframe, Mrs. Smith said. "It sounds crazy, but I'd do it again," she added. She may get her wish. This summer's work is the first step in the first phase of the school's new campus master plan. Continued facilities improvements are crucial to St. Margaret's ability to remain a strong, small school. For information on how you can support Strengthening our Foundations, contact contact Margaret Broad at (804) 443-3357 mbroad@sms.org |
  A crane hoisted one of the air handlers for Latané's new heating and cooling system to the roof in late July. The operator skillfully manuevered in the tight space between the dormitory, St. Margaret's Hall, and the Cottage, much to the relief of watching staff members.  Latané Hall renovations were well underway when this family dropped by over the summer to take a look. |
Detail, far right wall of Latané library/meeting room (current computer lounge). Now, check out the reality of the completed renovations The New Look! |
|
