New Dining Commons Project Underway

The Board of Trustees approved a new Dining Commons project as part of a continued investment in people and programs, in alignment with Tower Hill’s Strategic and Campus Master Plans. 

 

The Dining Commons is an expansion of the school’s dining facilities, enclosing an outdoor terrace adjacent to the current dining room to include an energy-conserving glass atrium roof and providing community space year-round for students, faculty and events. The Dining Commons will also be used to host community organizations and collaborative activities with school partners. Construction started in late May 2019, with completion scheduled for May 2020.

 

The Board approved financing in May 2019 to start the project, taking advantage of favorable interest rates. The $6.93 million bond will be used to fund the dining commons, deferred maintenance projects and the design of other facility improvements. 

 

The implementation of the Strategic Plan thus far has included investments of over $2 million in people and programs, including increases in faculty salaries, professional development and financial aid. Financing the capital project of Dining Commons to pay for it over time frees up annual operating income to continue to be allocated to these priorities. Fundraising is underway to support all aspects of the strategic plan. 

 

“Ultimately, the Dining Commons is an investment in community, a hallmark of Tower Hill for 100 years,” Head of School Bessie Speers said. “Students and teachers will be able to gather together for lunch in a space conducive to conversation, collaboration and learning.”