Pawtucket – The $13.8 million renovation project at Potter Burns Elementary School on Newport Avenue is on schedule for completion in June 2017.

The interior of the school has been gutted. New ventilation ducts were installed, and the team is installing a new elevator.

The renovations, managed by Colliers International, include significant improvements to the school which was constructed in 1919. Classrooms, offices, bathrooms, the school library, cafeteria, and gymnasium are being completely overhauled. Other improvements include:
• Addition of a media center
• New interior and exterior entry ways and doors
• Addition of an elevator
• A new roof, mechanical, plumbing, heating and electrical components
• New energy-efficient windows
• Upgrades to the parking lot, drop-off area, and playground

“It’s very exciting to see progress underway at Potter Burns, especially as a parent of former students,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “These needed improvements will provide our students with a high quality, 21st century learning environment.”

Media room and library

Cafeteria

“The transformation taking place at Potter Burns is remarkable,” said School Committee Chair Gerard Charbonneau. “The project is on schedule and on-budget. I want to once again thank our community for supporting this investment.”

“Our students and families are excited and looking forward to enjoying the new building later this year,” said School Superintendent Patti DiCenso.

Potter Burns is the first school being renovated with $32 million of bond funds for school building repairs overwhelmingly approved by Pawtucket residents in November 2014. Supplemental funding became available through Governor Raimondo’s capital funds initiative for ‘shovel ready’ projects through the newly developed Rhode Island School Building Authority.

Potter Burns students are continuing their learning at the Annex on Central Avenue, formerly known as St. Leo the Great School, for the 2016-2017 as upgrades are done. Once renovations at Potter Burns are complete, the Annex will host students from Nathanael Greene Elementary School, as similar renovations are scheduled to take place there from August 2017 to September 2018.

Potter Burns exterior. The roof is being repaired, and all windows are being replaced. A new entrance is being constructed for easier and safer drop-offs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Contact: Lauren Greene
401-728-0500 ext. 358