Assabet renovations near finish line
Two-year project will be a boon for students and staff, officials say
MARLBOROUGH – When Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School students and staff return to school in September they may not recognize the place.
Over the past two years, construction crews have installed a new roof, gas-fired boiler and sprinkler system, put in new doors and windows and renovated the media center, auditorium, classrooms, science labs and vocational shops as part of a $62.4 million facelift of the 40-year-old building.
Upgrades to the cafeteria and lobby, the final phase, are slated to be finished in the coming days, said Kristopher Luoto, the school's director of business operations.
“It’s good to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Luoto. “We’re on time and on budget. We’re very happy about it.”
Contractors installed a new floor in the lobby and benches with power, allowing students to charge laptops and cell phones, said Luoto.
“It gives it a modern, updated look,” he said. “It’s a lot brighter and looks really good.”
Luoto said the new cafeteria has a “more college feel” with multiple stations and offerings for students.
“It creates a better atmosphere and is more inviting,” he said.
The school’s Epicurean Restaurant was expanded, said Luoto.
“The kitchen and the floors are going to wow everyone at the school,” said Gregg Lefter, the school’s facilities director.
In 2012, the school’s seven member towns – Hudson, Marlborough, Southborough, Northborough, Westborough, Berlin and Maynard – approved funding a portion of the renovation project.
Crews worked overnight and during the summer to ensure construction did not interfere with learning, said Luoto.
The school will host a grand reopening for the community Saturday, Oct. 24.
"This building will be around here for another 40 years,” Luoto said.
Jeff Malachowski can be reached at 508-490-7466 or jmalachowski@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JmalachowskiMW.