December 27, 2023
Capital Improvements Enter Final Phase
We are excited to share the progress that has been made as St. Michael’s continues its first major capital campaign in over 20 years. Renovations began in August 2022 and have been strategically divided into multiple phases to minimize the time that each area of the facility is impacted. This has allowed for effective choreography to keep children and staff together in their class while moving to other rooms. St. Michael’s has remained open and operational throughout renovations. Staff, children and families, contractors and subcontractors have been incredibly flexible and accommodating to all of the moving parts associated with such an extensive renovation project within a unique environment and facility. Guided by the goal of keeping St. Michael’s open to continue serving families, all those associated with the work have remained strategic and thoughtful. We are so grateful for the collaboration and cooperation of our entire school community.
The $6.7 million campaign, Committed to the Future of Our Community: St. Michael’s Renovation and Expansion Project, will:
• Address critically needed renovations and upgrades to our aging buildings, infrastructure and major systems
• Increase enrollment with 2 new pre-school classrooms
• Expand and formalize services for families and residents of the East Side neighborhood of Wilmington
• Add new admin offices and designated spaces for staff and family meetings, community programming and educational trainings
• Support pathways to early childhood education careers through mentoring and cohort opportunities
Completed Renovations include:
- Replaced electrical panels in lower level
- Upgraded all HVAC to energy efficient systems
- Renovations to infant wing classrooms and motor playroom, including adding more natural lighting
- Reconfigured ED’s office to create more stroller storage and multi-purpose space
Current and Final Phases include:
- Renovations to lobby and cafeteria
- New windows, doors, casework and LED lighting in all classrooms
- Plumbing replacement
- Addtion of two new pre-school classrooms on 2nd floor
- New meeting areas, staff lounge, storage spaces and admin offices
- Masonry repair
- Library renovations
- Improvements to security and parking