As the new academic year begins, Spence students, faculty, and staff are welcomed back to a campus that has undergone significant enhancements. This summer’s construction projects at the 91st and 93rd Street buildings focused on creating spaces that better serve the academic needs of students while also improving work environments for faculty and staff.

91st Street Building: Classroom and Work Space Transformation
The most extensive changes took place in the 91st Street building, where three new and two expanded/updated classrooms for the Middle and Upper Schools were created in addition to a new Health Suite, and new offices for several academic departments and the Resource Center.

A new Health Suite on the first floor brings together offices for the Director of K-12 Student and Family Support, Upper School Counselors, and a conference room–all adjacent to the Middle and Upper School Nurse’s office. This centralized location streamlines student health and wellness services. The ground floor now also features a bike storage area; students no longer have to transport bikes from the lower level for P.E. classes. The Development and Communications Offices have also been reconfigured to bring greater function and access for administrative offices that serve the entire school.

Five spacious classrooms with large windows were created by reconfiguring areas on the second and third floors. These new classrooms not only provide a better learning environment but also offer greater flexibility in academic scheduling. 

New faculty office spaces on the third floor create functional and collaborative space for the Mathematics and Performing Arts Departments.

The addition of three new bathrooms on the third floor addresses a need for more restroom facilities in a high-traffic area, enhancing convenience for students.

The Physics Teaching Lab was reconfigured to create a better layout for teaching. In addition, one larger, fixed hood and two portable hoods were installed in the Chemistry Labs to improve ventilation. 

New offices were created for the Science Department. The Student Resource Center was also moved to this floor, and a Resource Center was added to the space, providing more space and easier access for student support. A second Resource Center breakout room was also added on this floor. 

The Lecture Hall on the seventh floor has been upgraded with new blackout shades and state-of-the-art projection equipment, enhancing its functionality for presentations and gatherings. The refinished wood floors now also accommodate dance classes, adding versatility to this large space.

On the lower level, a consolidation of small, cramped offices and storage spaces has resulted in a well-lit, functional workspace and a new mailroom for the Campus Facilities team.

The 93rd Street building also saw accelerated work on its facade, particularly the back of the building. With scaffolding now removed, drainage improvements and a new, soft surface have been completed, making the terrace ready for Lower School students to enjoy during recess. In addition, the A.V. equipment in the Dining Room, where a number of school and parent meetings take place, were upgraded with a larger screen and the latest projection technology.

Despite the ambitious scope of these improvements, all projects were successfully completed during the ten-week summer break, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Campus Facilities team, along with our architectural and construction partners. The campus is now fully ready for the new school year, reflecting our commitment to providing an optimal learning environment for all.