©Jasper Lazor Photography
Project Overview
As the first stop for prospective students and families, Breck School's admissions suite plays a critical role in shaping first impressions. To better align the space with the school's reputation for academic excellence, the project modernized approximately 3,100 square feet of interior space, expanded the admissions suite, and revitalized a 2,700-square-foot courtyard, creating a welcoming environment that supports both visitors and staff.
Takeaways:
- Created a modern, welcoming admissions experience for prospective students and families
- Renovated approximately 3,100 square feet of admissions and administrative space
- Expanded the admissions suite by incorporating 600 square feet of adjacent courtyard space
- Revitalized a 2,700-square-foot courtyard to enhance the visitor experience
- Improved functionality and collaboration for admissions staff and school leadership
- Completion Date
December 2023
- Delivery Method
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Construction Manager at Risk
- Additional Project Facts
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3,100 Square Feet (Interior)
2,700 Square Feet (Courtyard)
Creating a Stronger First Impression
For many families, the admissions suite is their first interaction with Breck School. While the school's academic reputation continued to grow, its admissions offices and Head of School suite no longer reflected the quality of the institution. The existing spaces had become dated and no longer supported the welcoming, professional experience the school wanted prospective families to have.
Mortenson partnered with Breck School to reimagine these spaces—creating an open, contemporary environment that aligns with the school's identity while improving functionality for admissions staff and school leadership.
Transforming Space Without Expanding the Campus
Rather than constructing a new addition, the project maximized existing campus assets. The team expanded the admissions suite into an adjacent courtyard, adding approximately 600 square feet of interior space while simultaneously renovating the remaining outdoor courtyard into an enhanced gathering area.
This strategic approach allowed Breck School to gain valuable program space while improving both the indoor and outdoor experience for visitors and staff, all within the existing campus footprint.
©Jasper Lazor Photography
Building Safely on an Active Campus
Executing construction in the heart of an occupied school required careful planning, creative logistics, and close coordination with school leadership. Mortenson minimized disruptions to students, faculty, and daily operations by:
- Scheduling the most disruptive work during summer break
- Continuing construction throughout the fall semester behind secure partitions
- Disassembling and transporting a mini excavator through school hallways to access the enclosed courtyard, then reassembling it on-site
- Maintaining safe campus operations while construction progressed
Through thoughtful phasing and innovative problem-solving, the project was completed in December 2023, delivering a modern admissions space while preserving a safe learning environment throughout construction.
©Jasper Lazor Photography
