2015 School Renovation Project
School Renovation Project
In September 2015, the Washington Waldorf School successfully completed essential renovations to our building located at 4800 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, MD. The Build Our Vision capital campaign, and the essential partnership with Montgomery County allowed WWS to make capital improvements for the benefit of current and future generations of WWS students.
Thank you to all of our parents, alumni, faculty, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends whose gifts helped us raise $4.8 million for the Build Our Vision Capital Campaign during the period of July 2012 – June 2015.
The renovation and construction costs supported by the Build Our Vision capital campaign, and required by the terms of our 30-year lease with Montgomery County, included:
- Installation of a high-efficiency HVAC system
- Installation of a new insulated, reflective roof
- Replacement of existing windows with insulated double pane windows
- Upgrade of the electrical systems
- Upgrade of lighting systems and fire safety systems, and replacement of existing ceilings
- Addition of an ADA-accessible bathroom
- Addition of a new entry and entrance hall
We successfully completed this endeavor only with the help and participation of all of our extended community members — including alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, former faculty, friends, and extended families. Thank you!
Initial Construction Announcements from 2015
On March 18, 2015, the Washington Waldorf School signed a contract with Harvey-Cleary construction to begin work on Phase I of the Sangamore Road campus. Harvey-Cleary, a construction contracting firm whose Washington, DC office was opened in 1986, will oversee the construction of WWS’s planned infrastructure improvements, expansion of its front entry, and infrastructure for future development of a gym at the site.
"This is a moment of great importance in the history of the Washington Waldorf School,” said Board Chair Allison Fultz. “Breaking ground to renew and improve our campus is a realization of a longstanding dream of the hundreds of volunteers and donors in our community who have brought us to this point — to whom we are deeply grateful. But beyond even this, it is a first step towards making our vision of a beautiful long-term, energy efficient home a reality. Raising the last $250,000 to complete the campaign for this first phase of vital improvements is a critical part of achieving our vision, and every gift counts!"
WWS’s planned improvements will feature the installation of state-of-the-art, high-energy efficient heating and cooling system, well insulated and water-proof roofing, beautiful new insulated, double-pane windows, and important utility and life-safety systems upgrades. Students of all ages will benefit from these improvements which will provide for a healthy indoor environment: well-lit by natural light and is environmentally sound.
“It is exciting to think that by September 8, our first day of the 2015–2016 school year, our students will be learning, growing and building community in a weather-tight, energy efficient building,” said Faculty Chair Jennifer Page. “We will continue to grow and improve our programs and look forward to showcasing our school to the Washington DC community in our 'new' home.”
Phase I includes the renovation and expansion of the existing front entrance, installation of a new HVAC system, insulated roof, windows, lighting fixtures, ceiling tile, fire alarm system, fire suppression (sprinkler) system, and upgrade of all utilities. Full scale construction began June 12; our newly renovated building will be ready for the new school year when we open the doors again on September 15, 2015 to our students and families.
Day 8 of Construction (June 22, 2015) - Existing front office interior walls are gone!
Day 31 of Construction (July 21, 2015) - New windows are being installed this week! Plywood is placeholder until operable window sections are installed.
Dismantling of Existing Boiler - Our 1953 boiler, nursed and coaxed into continued operation for decades by alumni parent John Verleun, is no longer in service. On May 18, 2015, Harvey Cleary decommissioned the boiler and started the process of pulling out the boiler, piece by piece.