By Ander Wildman '27
New Community Commons reached a new milestone in December
GROTON, Mass. — On the signed beam, raised on December 30, 2025, an American flag stands at one end, with an evergreen installed across from it. This is a tradition in the construction business rooted in traditional New England barn raisings.
The tree is not just a superstitious tradition, but is also a representation of life, longevity, and growth - all traits of an evergreen. For all members of the LA community, this final beam marks a significant milestone in the progress of the "Community Commons."
“With the steel frame now complete and major milestones ahead, construction on the school’s new Community Commons has reached a turning point,” Bob Kramer, Asst. Head for Finance & Operations explained on December 2.
Since the last construction update, a lot has been done. Digging the base of the building, constructing the steel structure, and the steel decking for the floor has been completed.
Mr. Kramer noted, “Every time students walk past the construction site, something has changed - and with each new beam and floor, the school’s future Community Commons is becoming more real”.
The next step in construction is to assemble the roof, which starts with a base steel structure, then waterproof layering, and finally a strong and durable steel structure outer layer (referred to as standing seam roofing). Next, temporary walls will be put in place to ensure a warm environment fit for concrete to be poured.
Mr. Kramer expects this step to be completed by the middle of February.
“There have been a couple of days where it’s either been too cold or too windy for the steel guys to work... [but] Luckily, the snow hasn’t been too bad so far.
"But the cold has been a challenge," explained Mr. Kramer. "In New England, they’re used to working in cold conditions, so it hasn’t slowed them down too much."
The opening date has been delayed around eight weeks due to weather, and the ensuing amount of time it will take for the school to fill the space.
“It’s the same way when we move everything back in - a big move, but over a short window of time," said Mr. Kramer, who explained a portion of the fall 2026-2027 fall trimester will be spent eating in the Dining Lounge of the Schoolhouse.
Meanwhile, even as outdoor construction continues, a lot of work is being done in LA's offices. In collaboration with architects, interior designers, and Community Life, the look and feel, the furniture and the use of the new space are being discussed.
The interior will have “a little bit more modern feel,” assured Mr. Kramer of the addition to the Gray Building (1949). Some new details include wood-toned tables that can seat four, six, or eight, and even long community tables with up to 14 people at a table at the same time.
Nonetheless, the project hit an important step in the long process with the completion of the steel framing of the new structure.
“Once the building gets enclosed, a lot of the work that’s going on isn't going to be visible," said Mr. Kramer. But he assured the community that construction workers, contractors, architects, and engineers are working diligently each day.
Author's Note: Expect more updates on this topic in the spring. Other updates on construction will be found on our website, social media accounts, and weekly newsletter.
