MassDevelopment.com: Press Room: $22.5 Million MassDevelopment Bond to Support New Athletic Facility at Dana Hall School

$22.5 Million MassDevelopment Bond to Support New Athletic Facility at Dana Hall School
May 18, 2004

Contacts:
Adam Bickelman, 617-330-2086 or abickelman@massdevelopment.com
Janet Hookailo, 617-330-2018 or jhookailo@massdevelopment.com
Barbra Watson, Dana Hall School, 781-235-3010

MassDevelopment today announced the closing of a $22,505,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of Dana Hall School in Wellesley. Bond proceeds will fund the construction of the Shipley Center, a 94,000 square foot athletic facility that will feature a gymnasium, indoor track, aquatics center, aerobics and dance studio, fencing studio, climbing wall, squash courts, conference rooms, a weight and fitness center, the school's health center, teaching class rooms, office space, equipment rooms and locker facilities.

"We are pleased to partner with Dana Hall School to help build this impressive athletic, health and wellness center," said Robert L. Culver, MassDevelopment president/CEO. "This campus addition will enhance each student's individual learning experience by supporting the development of sound bodies for sound minds."

"These facilities are crucial to the School's program not only for our sports teams, but also for the health, fitness and enjoyment of all our students, faculty and staff," said Head of School Blair Jenkins. "We are thrilled to partner with MassDevelopment on this important project."

MassDevelopment is the state's economic development authority, working with businesses and local officials to provide the financial tools and real estate expertise needed to stimulate economic growth across the state of Massachusetts. In fiscal year 2003, MassDevelopment financed $860 million in projects statewide, resulting in the creation of over 5,300 jobs, the retention of nearly 26,000 jobs, and 4,000 new housing starts.

Founded in 1881, Dana Hall School is an independent boarding and day school for girls in grades 6 through 12. The Dana Hall curriculum seeks to foster excellence in academics, the arts and athletics with an emphasis on integrity, leadership, diversity and service. Currently, 450 students attend school at Dana Hall.