Jack McCarthy, Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), today joined with local officials to break ground on major renovations at Chicopee Academy. The MSBA is reimbursing 80% percent of eligible costs toward the $37.9 million upgrade at the school.
“The improvements at Chicopee Academy will provide local students with a beautiful new learning space,” Executive Director McCarthy said. “This will undoubtedly enhance and improve their ability to excel in the classroom.”
The project consists of major renovations to address deficiencies in structural integrity and in building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, envelope and windows. The renovated 176,425 square-foot school will consolidate the City’s two existing middle schools to serve 825 students in grades 6 through 8. The MSBA will fund a maximum grant of up to $30,100,581 toward the project. Chicopee Academy was built in 1920.
The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,350 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $10.7 billion in reimbursements for education capital improvement projects.