Boston Arts Academy Tops Off in Construction Milestone

The final steel beam was lifted into place, topping off the new Boston Arts Academy building currently under construction. The $125 million arts facility will provide arts-intensive academic training for students from every neighborhood in Boston. The development will stand five stories tall and expand Boston Art Academy's space from approximately 121,000 square feet to 153,500 square feet.

“This amazing school building will serve future generations of the most creative, artistic young minds from every neighborhood of our great city,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “This school is a shining example of what public education can look like, and is a powerful demonstration of the City of Boston’s commitment to providing every child with access to an excellent education and a supportive and affirming learning environment."

“Boston Arts Academy has a long tradition of cultivating amazingly talented students and providing them with an enriching and welcoming school community where they can express their creativity and showcase their incredible art,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. "All BPS students deserve beautiful state-of-the-art facilities like the new Dearborn STEM Academy and the Boston Arts Academy complex. This one-of-a-kind campus is an example of the facilities needed across our city so that all our children have the opportunity to thrive in joyful learning environments. I know the students and our dedicated staff are thrilled that we are one step closer to their new school opening!"

“This is an important milestone for the Boston Arts Academy and the entire City of Boston,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

“BAA is the only public school in Boston that combines rigorous training in the visual and performance arts with a strong academic program, ensuring a path for success for its students in their chosen fields. The MSBA partners with Boston and local communities throughout the state, providing resources and support, so more students have the opportunity to learn in 21st century state-of-the-art facilities in order to realize their full potential”.

In the days prior to Tuesday’s topping-off ceremony, several BAA students had the opportunity to decorate the beam with their art and write messages on it offering words of promise and encouragement to the generations of future students who will learn under the new building’s roof. Many BAA teachers, administrators, school officials, caregivers, alumni, worksite labor force and community leaders also contributed notes, forever embedding their messages into the steelwork of the school itself.

“On behalf of the BAA and BPS communities, we are proud of this monumental step in the transformation of this one-of-a-kind school,” said Denella Clark, BAA Foundation President. “This building will give our students the chance to learn, explore and dream in a facility worthy of their talents and ambitions. We are grateful to Mayor Walsh and the City, to Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, the BPB, and to our generous supporters who make it possible to provide our students with greater opportunities to further their growth and development as artists, students, and citizens. This unique, long-term investment further shows how important it is for all students in our city to have access to the best facilities that cater to each student’s needs and help them thrive personally and academically.”

Photos courtesy of Craig Bailey/Perspective Photo

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