GSA breaks ground on Gateway Project

Officials say construction marks new chapter in campus renewal efforts

Members of the classes of 2027 and 2030 took part in the ceremony alongside incoming head of school Shelly Schildroth, board chair Deb Ludlow, and director of advancement Chrissy Allen. Photo courtesy of George Stevens Academy.

June 23, 2026

By Staff

BLUE HILL—George Stevens Academy marked the start of construction on its Gateway Project on June 15, as students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community members gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony on campus. Demolition on the west wing of the gymnasium building is underway.

According to a press release, members of the classes of 2027 and 2030 took part in the ceremony alongside incoming head of school Shelly Schildroth, board chair Deb Ludlow, and director of advancement Chrissy Allen, and other GSA students and staff. The class of 2030 is expected to be among the first to experience the completed campus, the release said.

Demolition on the west wing of GSA’s gymnasium building is underway. Photo by Steele Hays.

The Gateway Project is the first major initiative of GSA's broader campus renewal effort. The project will remove approximately 6,800 square feet of campus space that has reached the end of its useful life, the release said, reducing long-term maintenance costs and refocusing resources on the facilities that most directly serve students and programs. The release said the project will also create a dedicated bus turnout to improve safety and ease congestion on High Street, establish a clearly defined main entrance on the west side of campus, and improve pedestrian circulation and campus wayfinding.

The project has been guided over the past two years by owner's representative David Gray and contractor E.L. Shea, the release said. They have overseen the requests for proposals and contracts throughout the planning process.

Campus access during construction

For the safety of students, campers, and visitors, there will be no campus entry from the High Street side until construction is complete, the release said. All other access remains open.

• Main Office: Open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during the summer. Visitors may park in the student parking lot or alongside the Merrill & Hinckley building.

• Summer Camps & Clinics: Drop-off will be alongside the Merrill & Hinckley building. Campers will enter the gym building through the cafeteria doors.

For more information about the project, visit https://www.georgestevensacademy.org/gateway-renewal-project. Questions about the project’s construction can be directed to David Gray at davidwgray20@gmail.com.