Santa Rosa, Calif., June 23, 2020 – Yesterday Cardinal Newman High School broke ground on a new two-story classroom building, marking the Catholic preparatory school’s second and most significant campus addition following the severe damage caused by the Tubbs Fire in 2017. With nearly 24,000 sq.ft. of new construction, students will enjoy increased modern classroom and outdoor learning space made possible by generous community support. Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) serves as the designer and master planner for the school’s ongoing expansion and fire rebuild and Wright Contracting is the general contractor.

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the groundbreaking of our most ambitious campus improvement project to date,” said Cardinal Newman Interim President and Superintendent Linda Norman. “Intended to rebuild needed classroom space following the devastation and delayed by a global pandemic, this project symbolizes the resilience of our school and community in many ways. We have been thankful to have such a flexible and engaged project team and a generous donor community supporting our vision as it comes to life.”

The two-story complex will introduce critical classroom space allowing for expanded educational offerings and curriculum while eliminating the need for existing temporary portable learning spaces. Eighteen classrooms, an art studio, four student collaboration rooms and two staff collaboration rooms will surround a central courtyard and be supplemented by outdoor learning spaces. Sustainable features including energy efficient lighting and mechanical systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, solar shading, operable windows, natural daylighting, and sustainably sourced materials have been central to the complex’s design with student health and wellness top of mind. The surrounding landscaping will be drought tolerant and include systems for storm water retention.

“It’s incredible to see the next piece of this campus’ transformation begin to unfold as Cardinal Newman continues to expand the facilities needed to keep pace with its vision for educational excellence,” said QKA Principal John Dybczak. “Designing this classroom complex was a collaborative effort between the school, project team, and the community that so faithfully supports these students. Designing flexible, contemporary classroom spaces that support student health could not be more paramount than it is in this historical moment.”

About Cardinal Newman High School

Cardinal Newman is a Catholic, college preparatory high school. The mission is to educate students in the wholeness of mind, body, and spirit through the teachings of Jesus Christ as proclaimed by the Catholic Church. Cardinal Newman students learn to apply leadership skills and talents in service to others. Each student is challenged to work to his or her highest potential in the lifelong pursuit of learning and excellence.

About Quattrocchi Kwok Architects

QKA provides comprehensive master planning and design services for K-12 and higher education, historic renovation and community facilities in Northern California. With more than $2 billion in projects completed in its 34-year history, QKA’s award-winning portfolio reflects a commitment to design that emphasizes environmental sustainability and community impact. Building Design + Construction has recognized QKA as one of the nation’s top K-12 and BIM (building information modeling) architecture firms. Engineering News-Record has called it one of America’s top design firms. Majority employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), QKA continually lands on the North Bay Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” list. Visit qka.com to learn more.

About Wright Contracting

For 65 years, Wright Contracting has built a reputation as the leading commercial construction company in the North Bay. This tradition of craftsmanship has earned Wright Contracting the opportunity to build many of the North Bay’s notable landmarks including schools, hospitals, event centers, wineries and more. With offices in both Santa Rosa and Napa, Wright Contracting is well-situated to work on projects throughout the North Bay. The company’s commitment to providing clients with the highest level of service has been the cornerstone of its successful business history. Visit www.wrightcontracting.com to learn more. Wright Contracting, Building your North Bay since 1953.

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