Cromwell, CT – A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for Cromwell Middle School (CMS) in Cromwell, designed by architecture and design firm Perkins Eastman. The ceremony featured local government officials, school district representatives, CMS students, and members of the community.
Replacing the current facility on the same site, the new Cromwell Middle School and Central Administration Office will span 95,000sf and cater to nearly 500 students in grades 6-8. Perkins Eastman’s design features a linear “Main Street” commons that stretches along the length of the building and incorporates clerestory windows – windows that sit at the top of the wall, above eye level – that are designed to allow plenty of natural light in the school. Situated on the western side of Main Street are the academic neighborhoods, which extend toward the wooded section of the site, thus creating opportunities for outdoor learning. On the eastern side of Main Street sits the auditorium, gymnasium, and cafeteria. Scattered throughout the Main Street are the Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) spaces, designed to emphasize the importance of hands-on learning. The wooded walking trails surrounding the school will be accessible to the public on evenings and weekends.
The groundbreaking ceremony included welcome remarks from Rosanna Glynn, chair of the Cromwell Middle School Building Committee, and speeches by Dr. Enza Macri, superintendent of Cromwell Public Schools; Ann Cocchiola, principal of Cromwell Middle School; and James Demetriades, mayor of the Town of Cromwell. Also attending the groundbreaking were Matt Lesser, state senator; Christie Carpino, state representative; Celina Kelleher, chair of the Board of Education, and student representatives.
Perkins Eastman is the architect for the project, Arcadis is the project manager, Newfield Construction is the construction manager, and Sustainable Engineering Solutions, LLC is the commissioning agent. The project is estimated to be completed in fall 2025.
