MassDevelopment

Chestnut Hill Independent School Renovates and Expands with MassDevelopment Bond


December 14, 2017


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Meggie Quackenbush, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2011 & 857-208-2777 (cell)
mquackenbush@massdevelopment.com

Jody Weinberg, Brimmer and May School, 617-278-2333
jweinberg@brimmer.org

Brimmer and School
Photo by David Barron/Oxygen Group

MassDevelopment has issued a $7 million tax-exempt bond for the Brimmer and May School, an independent day school in Chestnut Hill. The school used bond proceeds to build, furnish, and equip a 7,000-square-foot addition that includes a new kitchen, dining area, and teaching space. Bond proceeds also helped the school renovate, furnish, and equip its existing building to provide more space for college placement and other classes. The school also used funds to make miscellaneous improvements, such as landscaping, lighting, wiring, and HVAC updates. Santander Bank, N.A. purchased the bond.

“Investing in Massachusetts’ education sector is essential to ensuring the Commonwealth’s economy remains strong, innovative, and resilient for years to come,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. “We are pleased to help the Brimmer and May School update and expand its facilities so that it can continue the important work of nurturing Massachusetts’ young learners.”

The Brimmer and May School is a co-educational, independent day school that serves pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded separately as the Brimmer School in 1887 and the May School in 1880, these two well-known Boston schools merged in 1939. In 1954, Brimmer and May moved to its current location in Chestnut Hill. The school became fully co-educational in 1992. Today, the Brimmer and May School serves 385 students with an average student-faculty ratio of six to one. Brimmer and May is accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

“We were thrilled to open our doors to new innovation, STEAM, and maker labs, and classrooms that provide the tools, space, and environment needed to advance Brimmer’s design thinking curriculum, further problem solving skills, and cultivate creativity,” said Judith Guild, Brimmer and May head of school. “Additionally, new dining commons, gathering spaces, and expansive centers enrich our focus on community building as we support one another and our children.”

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2017, MassDevelopment financed or managed 377 projects generating investment of more than $4.3 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 9,488 jobs and build or rehabilitate 1,863 residential units.