Arlington Officials Unveil Completed Phase 2 Of High School Rebuild

ARLINGTON, MA — The Arlington High School rebuilding project reached a milestone Wednesday with the opening of the new Humanities wing and library, which were part of Phase 2 of the project.

The completed Phase 2 construction —the largest and most complex of the four phases —includes the 44-classroom Humanities wing, a 6oo-seat cafeteria, a two-story library, forum stairs, an exterior leaning courtyard, school district offices and a School Committee Room.

The new wing also will include Menotomy Preschool, which is expected to open to students early next year.

"It's exciting to see this team effort coming together," said AHS Principal Matthew Janger. "We're excited for the opportunities this new space will provide for learning and collaboration for our students."

At a Wednesday ceremony, students packed the Massachusetts Avenue lobby as Janger pulled back a divider to reveal the entryway to the new wing. The AHS band then performed as students explored the new facilities.

Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Homan and Arlington Town Manager Jim Feeney also attended Wednesday's event.

"With a project of this scope and complexity, I am pleased to report that the project remains on budget and has only experienced minor schedule delays" Feeney said. "As the project proceeds, our responsive and proactive project team continues to deliver a state-of-the-art, all-electric facility that will help Arlington meet its Net Zero goals."

The high school rebuilding project began in the spring of 2020. Phase 1 included the construction of the two wings in front of the existing building: the STEAM classroom wing and the Performing Arts wing, both of which opened in February of 2022. The auditorium opened later that spring.

According to officials, Phase 3 construction already is underway. That phase, which includes the athletic wing, black box theater and outdoor amphitheater, is expected to be finished in December 2024.

Phase 4 will include the construction of two additional multi-use, synthetic turf athletic fields, in addition to landscaping and a connection to the Minuteman Bikeway. The estimated completion date for that final phase is September 2025.