LEXINGTON, MA– Erland Construction has teamed up with ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge to design and build a multi-purpose athletics addition for Cotting School in Lexington, Mass. The School’s ultimate goal is to provide a venue for its students to achieve their highest learning potential and level of independence.
Cotting School is a private, non-profit inclusive community that fosters academic achievement, skill development and social-emotional maturity by meeting the unique needs of students ages 3-22 with a broad spectrum of learning and communication disabilities, physical challenges and complex medical conditions by providing an array of integrated services.
“This building project will make possible needed improvements in facilities, curriculum and programs to keep Cotting School on the cutting edge of special education,” said David Manzo, President of Cotting School. “We are excited to continue to meet the needs of our current and future students in this, our 126th year of innovation and excellence.”
The 25,000 square-foot, two-story addition will house a gymnasium, bowling alley, rock climbing wall and multiple activity spaces and classrooms. The facility is being designed to meet the accessibility needs of the student population as well as ADA requirements. This 14-month addition will revitalize the building’s use for students, faculty and staff; creating new places to exercise, learn, and interact with one another in time for the 2021 fall semester.
The building will be constructed of structural steel, and its exterior will consist of brick masonry and corrugated metal panels. Architectural glazing will be utilized to take advantage of the daylight in this area and the mechanical systems for the new space will be tied-in to the existing building.
Due to the highly sensitive nature of the school population, Erland will take great care in mitigating any disruption to the school’s ongoing operations. Maintaining a safe environment and accommodating the students’ needs will be Erland’s top priorities.
