When Cianbro began work on Maine Central Institute’s Founders Hall renovation, the team understood the balance necessary to create a modern education space for future generations while maintaining the integrity of the historic building. On March 22, Maine Preservation awarded the project with the prestigious 2023 Honor Award.

“Throughout this project, our team was often reminded just how important Founders Hall is to the community,” said Lee McConnell, Senior Project Manager. “Having this project receive such an honor from Maine Preservation is an incredible affirmation that our team met the needs of Maine Central Institute and the community. The entire team deserves immense credit for this accomplishment and award recognition.”  

Maine Central Institute is a semi-private high school located just down the road from Cianbro’s corporate headquarters in Pittsfield, Maine. The scope of work for the Founders Hall renovation included:

• Rebuilding the north and south stair halls with new steel stairs.
• Installing new entrances, new interior doors, and fire-rated corridors allowing egress.
• Reconfiguring all offices and public spaces on the first floor.
• Restoring Powers Hall, the performing arts space within Founders Hall, and installing new theatrical lighting, sound system, audio/visual equipment, including the ability to record and stream events.
• Installing an elevator linking all floors, including the basement.
• Adding a new ADA-accessible entrance to the building at the southwest corner entry.
• Adding air-conditioning in the first floor Core and Powers Hall, as well as code-mandated fresh air ventilation in all classrooms.

Click the link to read more about the Founders Hall renovation and other Cianbro projects from 2022.

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