DRA Architects breaks ground on Miss Porter’s School Admissions Office

DRA Architects, a full service planning, architecture, and interior design firm, today announced construction has begun on the new admissions building on the Miss Porter’s School campus in Farmington, CT. DRA’s team is providing architectural and engineering services as well as landscape and civil design for the project which is scheduled to be completed in September 2016. DRA completed a campus master plan for Miss Porter’s School in 2013. The project has navigated a myriad of technical and permitting issues associated with repurposing a historic structure. Constructed originally as a Gristmill on the Farmington River in the mid 1600’s, the building has served various functions through the years with minimal structural and systems upgrades. This project as a result required comprehensive renovations to satisfy its new program and to bring the building up to current standards for code compliance and sustainability. The new admissions building, with its historical significance and its prominence on the landmark Farmington River will provide the new “threshold experience” for new candidates and students. The building aims to define the school paradigm of paying homage to its rich history while being a leader in education and technology.

“It is an honor to work with Miss Porter’s on the implementation of this project as the initial step in their new campus masterplan. This client has an exciting vision for the future of the school and a dedication to the facility needs of its students,” said Angela Cahill, DRA Senior Project Manager. “This project reflects the client itself in many ways. It is unique, challenging, beautiful, and has the deep historic value that is so important in the culture of Miss Porter’s.”