New $125 million Boston Arts Academy structure complete with topping-off ceremony

City leaders and school officials Tuesday celebrated a “topping-off ceremony” at the $125 million Boston Arts Academy facility as the last steel beam was put into place completing the structure and marking a milestone in construction.

“Our renovation of the Boston Arts Academy is one of the most inspiring projects that we’ve had happen here in the city,” Mayor Martin Walsh said during the ceremony.

He added, “We’re building, probably, I think, the the most innovative public arts academy high school in the country right here.”

The new facility located just across the street from Fenway Park is expected to be completed in spring 2022 and will increase capacity for the school by more than 15%.

The school will have a theater marquee, rooftop green space and a 500-seat auditorium as well as dance studios, music practice rooms, fashion technology studios and workspaces.

“This new building will ensure that BAA will continue to be a place of opportunity for Boston’s next generation of creative changemakers for many many years to come,” said Anne Clark, head of Boston Arts Academy.

The ceremony gathered city councilors, school officials, union workers and others as the final steel beam signed by the leaders was set into place.

Kim Janey, city council president and acting mayor-in-waiting said, “I know how important the arts are to social development and critical thinking, and for far too long the arts have been treated as an afterthought or an add-on — but with this investment, we will have a brand new state-of-the-art facility.”

Boston Arts Academy was founded in 1998 and offers programs in fashion, dance, music, theater and visual arts. Students who wish to attend must apply via a two-step process including an audition and a virtual portfolio.

Alexandra Oliver-Davila, chair of the Boston School Committee, said the new school will be a lasting reminder of Walsh’s leadership and he prepares for his new role as labor secretary.

“As I stand here at the base of this new school building, I’m really filled with joy and excitement for what students will accomplish together when they enter this facility for the first time and every day after that,” Oliver-Davila said.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3dHDZn8