Kluchman Renovation

CSW Raises $600,000+ in Support of Kluchman Renovation Project

When The Cambridge School of Weston (formerly known as The Cambridge-Haskell School) first opened its doors at its current location in Weston, MA, students attended many of their classes in the building now known as the Kluchman Administration Building. Today, the building houses the College Counseling Offices, the Head’s Office, math classrooms, and the school library. With entrances on the quad and along Georgian Road, the building has for many years served as the main lobby for the school, where guests are able to check in and orient themselves in preparation for their visit.

But for a school that prides itself on promoting social justice, equity, and inclusion, this important space has been lacking in a critical area: accessibility. With steps at both entrances, a hidden reception desk tucked away to the side, and no bathroom on the main floor, the space was no longer fulfilling its purpose to welcome guests and set the tone for their visits. Meanwhile, with increased interest in the school in recent years, CSW’s Admissions Office was finding it difficult to accommodate prospective students and their families in the adjacent admissions building. Recognizing these needs, Head of School Lise Charlier, in partnership with the Board of Trustees, worked on a proposal to renovate the first floor of the Kluchman, making it more accessible, welcoming, and emblematic of CSW’s core values, while also providing additional reception space for prospective students and families.

This preliminary project will be the cornerstone of a larger, multi-year, multi-phase plan to make CSW’s campus more accessible, examining existing spaces and structures and revitalizing them in ways more in step with the culture and goals of the school of today. With a focus on repurposing and reimagining existing spaces, this plan will adhere to four pillar objectives: living sustainably, practicing green habits, increasing accessibility, and honoring CSW’s past.

Leading the Way

Alumnus and past trustee David Mugar ’59 started this important project off with a generous lead challenge gift of $250,000 if the school could secure an additional $250,000, by June 30, 2021.

“I have noticed how my mobility changes and challenges over time have limited my access to important spaces and events — including visiting my grandchildren’s schools at Grandparents’ Day, or plays, and other events in buildings not modified for all abilities,” David shared. “It is important to me that the school’s campus and spaces be welcoming and accessible to all members of our community, be that students, faculty/staff, alumni/ae, parents, grandparents, or visitors.”

Former heads of school Al Adams, George Cohan, and Jane Moulding also supported the project, along with current head of school, Lise Charlier, with great gratitude to David for getting us started.

Closing the Gap

Inspired by David’s generosity and moved by the prospect of making CSW more accessible, former board chair and longtime supporter of CSW, Diane Garthwaite, parent of Darcy Brennan ’99, announced in June that she would be matching David’s gift, contributing an additional $250,000 to the Kluchman project.

“I have had a number of conversations recently with Head of School Lise Charlier and others about the exciting (and overdue) plans to make the Kluchman Building accessible, with a new welcoming lobby, and finally a bathroom on the first floor,” says Diane. “In choosing ‘access’ as a key theme to build on, I think Lise is taking CSW in a crucial

CSW THANKS ALL OF OUR GENEROUS DONORS FOR BRINGING THIS PROJECT TO FRUITION.

BUILDING AN ACCESSIBLE ENTRY A gently sloped walkway meeting ADA regulations will provide a route for people of all abilities to be welcomed to the Kluchman Building. The route will exist as a seamless path from the rest of the campus and integrate graciously as part of the historic nature of the building. Rather than build a ramp, architects have designed a walkway that will offer a place to pause, interact, and transition to neighboring spaces on campus.

direction. Access has so many layers, all of which are intricately related to CSW’s values.”

In addition to these two individual gifts, several others in the CSW community have stepped up to support the Kluchman project. Parents and families of graduates from the Class of 2021 have raised a total of $51,000 to date, with the renovation serving as the Senior Class Gift, joining the Board of Trustees and many generous alumni/ae and parents of alumni/ae, who have also contributed.

“...As a school that prides itself on being inclusive and socially aware, [accessibility] is a big place CSW is lacking…” shares Parker Stern ’20. “I was impressed to see all the projects that are being discussed at CSW to make changes.”

Renovating the Heart of Campus

After a competitive bidding process, the school contracted Bald Hill Builders to manage the project. In 2019, Boston Business Journal named Bald Hill as one of the largest minority women-owned businesses. The firm was also the recipient of a 2019 ABC Gold STEP Safety Award and was included among Boston’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in 2019. Construction began in June and wrapped up in August. Look for photos of the updated space in an upcoming issue of our InsideCSW alumni/ae e-newsletter.

Reception

The sense of welcoming will start when you walk through the door with a reception desk directly in the line of sight. Behind the reception desk will be a wall with changeable graphics that express the vibrancy and energy of CSW.

Lighting

Softly washing the walls to focus on the work of students, energy-efficient lighting will provide a comfortable, vibrant environment.

Display

A display cabinet to the right of the entry will highlight student work. Wall-mounted TV monitors will share important announcements and photos from the classroom.

Accessible Restroom

An accessible restroom on the first floor will conform to ADA regulations and reflect the values of our inclusive community.

Seating Area

A nook outfitted with side tables and chairs will afford guests a comfortable space to wait for meetings, interviews, or campus tours.

Kitchen

The current kitchen area will open up into the Valerie Room (a meeting space for faculty and staff), and provide storage for events, while also serving as a source for guest refreshments.