W&M Construction Corp. has completed a $15-million out-of-ground addition to the Westhill High School in Stamford, Conn., announces Thomas P. Durels, chief executive officer of W&M Construction.

The new 64,000 s/f wing, which includes a new 12,000 s/f gymnasium and 25 new classrooms, will increase the size of the school by 20%.

"We are very pleased with our new and expanded facilities," says Camille Figluizzi, principal of Westhill High School. "They provide an attractive, technologically-advanced learning site for Stamford's students."

Tim Yahn, president of W&M Construction, explains that to avoid interrupting classes and other school functions, "we worked very closely with the principal, vice president, the athletic director, and the head custodian. It was necessary to maintain constant communication and coordinate our schedule around the school's daily activities. Keeping noise levels down, especially during finals and testing, also was a major consideration."

Figluizzi explains that there were always 2,300 students and 200 adults on site at all times. "I've worked through four construction projects and I have to say that W&M Construction was just fantastic. This was by far the most smoothly orchestrated project to date. They were always very mindful of everyone's safety."

"Of course, maintaining the safest possible environment for students and teachers was our highest priority," Yahn concurs. "And we're proud to say that goal was achieved while completing the project on time and on budget. "

W&M Construction worked on the project with architectural firm Friar Associates and structural engineer Szewczak Associates.

The various project additions and upgrades include:

A two-story, 42,000 s/f addition, which comprises 25 classrooms fully equipped with SMART Boards (or interactive whiteboards) and wireless technology; science labs with state-of-the-art fume hoods, chemical-resistant workstations, flask scrubbers, ice machines and appliances; a computer lab; and a teachers' lounge.

A 14,000s/f NCAA-approved gymnasium, with full-sized basketball and volleyball courts, new locker rooms and staff offices.

A high-performance Kalwall translucent building system and curved metal panel roofing system.

Westhill High School is one of many projects recently awarded to W&M Construction. Others include the restacking of Pitney Bowes' 214,000 s/f headquarters in Stamford, and construction of ITT's new 100,000-square-foot headquarters in White Plains.