On Time and On Budget
In construction, coming in on time and on budget is generally seen as an aspiration rather than an expectation.
From the outset, we knew how difficult it would be to achieve both as we undertook construction of a new school wing in the middle of our campus. Constructing a new building on an open field is one thing; integrating a new space within an older structure akin to “open heart surgery” is another.
That is why I’m especially proud to say, we did.
Building on a heritage campus brings a different kind of complexity. We had to work around complicated municipal approvals, existing buildings, buried services, and daily school life. Even with careful planning, you cannot know everything you will encounter until work begins. Each discovery calls for a decision that respects the campus ecosystem, ensures people’s safety, and keeps the project moving.
Our architects, builders, and contractors brought extraordinary skill and coordination to the project. Our internal team attended to countless planning details, work schedules, and seasonal externalities. Our Board committees ensured the right blend of project oversight and risk management. And our faculty and staff adapted to power outages, water damage, noise, dust, and constant detours while continuing to give our boys the school experience they deserved.
In addition, we watched every dollar as if it were our own and treated our community's philanthropy as a proxy for the quality of the learning experience at the School. A culture of giving grows when there is evidence of responsibility – and we have this tradition at Crescent as well to celebrate.
By Labour Day, the heavy equipment was gone, the construction cacophony had subsided, and the industrial cleaners had done their magic. And on September 8, we cut the ribbon.
Now, just a few weeks into the school year, our students are inhabiting their new spaces in ways we had imagined.
Our new Grade 1 and 2 students are beginning their Crescent journey and, with it, new traditions for the School.
The Lower Loggia Commons buzzes with activity before the morning bell and gives boys places to work together throughout the day.
On the Feature Staircase, students move between the Lower and Upper Loggias, passing the inspirational words of our Portrait of a Graduate as they go.
The new kitchen and servery have absolutely transformed the lunch experience, elevating both the calibre of the food and the way boys navigate the food stations.
And in the Alumni Community Hall, sunlight, conversation, and shared meals now fill this space. Seeing the boys gather there, with their easy camaraderie and sense of brotherhood, is especially moving. It is what we hoped this space would make possible.
Finishing on time and on budget is an achievement worth celebrating; a true win for team Crescent. But the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing what the work has made possible. We delivered the spaces as promised; now our boys are making them their own.
Watch the Our Way Forward campaign wrap-up video.
