Gilman School Kindergarten Addition

Gilman School Kindergarten Addition expanded the Lower School campus with new educational spaces designed to support early childhood learning while maintaining uninterrupted school operations throughout construction. Lewis Contractors was selected to deliver the addition within a highly constrained site surrounded by existing school facilities and major campus thoroughfares, requiring careful planning, logistics coordination, and a strong focus on safety.

Working with CSD Architects, Lewis Contractors constructed a thoughtfully integrated addition that included new kindergarten classrooms, a multipurpose room, office space, storage areas, and outdoor improvements including a courtyard and playground. The design maximized natural light through extensive window placement, creating bright and engaging learning environments while complementing the character of the existing Lower School building. Brick veneer construction, slate roofing, and high-end educational finishes were incorporated to create a seamless connection between the addition and the surrounding campus architecture.

One of the project’s greatest challenges was the limited construction footprint. The building site was bounded by existing school facilities and heavily traveled roads, leaving minimal room for staging materials and equipment. As construction progressed, site access became increasingly restricted, with portions of the work area narrowing significantly once exterior walls were erected. Lewis Contractors carefully sequenced deliveries, coordinated subcontractor activity, and maintained efficient material flow despite the constrained conditions.

Throughout construction, the Lower School remained fully occupied and operational. Daily activities, student circulation, faculty access, and campus events required ongoing coordination with school administrators. Lewis Contractors implemented strict safety measures, controlled access routes, and proactive communication procedures to separate construction activities from school operations while maintaining a productive work environment.

The completed addition enhanced the Lower School campus by providing modern learning spaces designed specifically for young students while expanding administrative and support functions. The project demonstrates Lewis Contractors’ ability to deliver complex educational construction projects in occupied environments where safety, logistics, and stakeholder coordination are critical to success. Through disciplined planning and problem-solving, the team successfully completed the Gilman School Kindergarten Addition while maintaining the school’s daily operations and preserving the quality of the learning environment.