Gordon School Expansion Under Way

Construction crews for C. E. Floyd have begun turning a vision for the future of Gordon School in East Providence into bricks and mortar that is designed to complement its academic program. 

Work on expanding the private school on Maxfield Avenue off of Martin Street and South Broadway began a few weeks ago, said Geoff Griffin, manager of public relations. The vision was spelled out five years ago by the school's board of trustees and administrators.

The work comes at the end of a $7 million fundraising effort among alumni and parents known as the Second Century Campaign, said Griffin. That campaign, according to a colorful brochure titled “EnrichEnhanceInvest,” will pay for the following:

• a new performing arts center under the bell tower
• new middle school band and music classrooms off of the gymnasium;
• enhanced community spaces, including a new dining facility off the gymnasium and a renovated Commons activity center,
• a new central corridor that links all of the school’s academic divisions;
• new visual arts, music and athletics corridors;
• new office space for physical education faculty, athletics administration and after-school program coordinator.

The campaign also will add several million dollars to Gordon’s endowment for financial aid and facilities.

The private school has grown from 330 to 412 students since 1991 with an annual budget that has tripled to about $10.1 million in the same timespan. Its endowment has grown even more impressively – from about $173,000 in 1991 to $8.2 million this year. 

The performing arts center appears to be the most impressive addition. It will include moveable staging, pre-show warm-up space, a backstage area near the art and music wing, space for sets and props, permanent lighting and sound systems and a seating capacity of around 200 in three different alignments, including around a center stage.

The band classroom will be designated space for the first time for students to practice in an acoustically appropriate setting; the current classroom is a space shared with theater students and classroom presentations.

The music classroom also will be designated space with high quality acoustics away from foot traffic. 

The Commons activity room – described as the heart and soul of the school – will provide space for faculty, staff and volunteers; host elective courses and after-school enrichment; create more flexible space for academic activities, and still serve as a spot to grab a cup of coffee and chat.

The new dining facility also will be dedicated to serving meals to students sitting at 8-person round tables.

Much of the work is expected to be completed in the early fall, said Griffin.