FRYEBURG — Fryeburg Academy is pleased to announce the grand opening of the newest campus addition — Thomas D. Shaffner Hall— named after the late Thomas D. Shaffner, a longtime trustee, past parent and benefactor.  

The capital project was approved by the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2017. Students in the Center, a $1.5 million capital campaign, was launched the following spring. To spearhead the project, the Academy retained Connor Architecture, an award-winning architecture and design firm that specializes in school and university projects, and T. Buck Construction, then owned by FA alumnus Terry Buck ’74.

The undertaking consists of two distinct phases: Phase I was construction of the new, 10,000 square-foot facility (completed December 2019), which includes the relocated Elroy O. and Marion LaCasce Dining Room with a seating capacity expanded from 180 to 342.

Phase II of the project begins in January 2020 and is slated to be complete by the fall. It will include restoration of Shaffner Hall’s existing wing, which was previously called the LaCasce Building and was the former home of the school’s dining room and student union. The space will be renovated to add three classrooms, the Theodore P. Blaich Post-Secondary Counseling Center, and a revamped and enhanced student union. Altogether, the new and renovated facilities will comprise Thomas D. Shaffner Hall and encompass 21,600 square feet.

At the Academy’s reunion banquet in August, Head of School Erin Mayo addressed the crowd, thanking those in attendance who played a part in the success of the campaign.

“As of next January, the new LaCasce Dining Room will be in use, doubling our current seating capacity for meals — a beautiful facility made possible by so many of you sitting here tonight. In 2017, we announced a $1.5 million capital campaign to secure a significant portion of this project’s funding. I am delighted and grateful now to announce the successful close of the Students in the Center Campaign, which actually brought in over $1.9 million. Yet again, the faithful support of Academy alums and friends has enabled a huge stride for our school community,” Mayo said.

To celebrate the successful campaign, the Academy is hosting a special Donor Celebration Dinner on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, for invited guests as recognition and appreciation for the generosity of donors who contributed to the Students in the Center’s success.