“
1990s
The buildings mirrored a lot of the university-level labs at that time. We had equipment necessary to fully investigate the scientific question posed. And the physics innovation studio — that is why I got so excited about physics, engineering, mechanics, how things work and how to build solutions. It was an inspiring place not only because it fostered creativity through the tools and materials, but because Mr. [Lou] Parry and Dr. [Herb] Lamb posted meaningful quotes about grit and determination. There was an ongoing public record of the ‘champions’ of each design project, and it was exciting to see a name of an upper-classman you knew on that leaderboard and think, ‘I might be able to do that or even better than that.’”
The First "Science Center"
Severe space limitations in science facilities at the Upper School and performing arts facilities at the Middle School prompt a capital campaign to address both campuses. In December 1992, the Board of Trustees approves the $4.4M Expanding the Vision campaign. It creates a new Upper School physics building, expands and renovates the existing science building, renovates the “double-decker” building for humanities, creates a 6,000-square-foot Middle School performing arts building and renovates the former assembly space to create fifth- and eighth-grade science labs. 1995 marks the start of pivotal conversations about enrollment growth.
Photo courtesy of the DA Archives
— Leyf Peirce Starling ’99, Upper School physics teacher, current parent
“ Chemistry and biology space was so incredibly cramped that teachers had trouble developing safe, lab-based programs. They also didn’t have the equipment for state-of-the art experiments. It was a mess. Lou [Parry, Upper School physics teacher] had to do his annual physics egg drop project at South Square Mall off of the upper parking deck! Kids brought their own hand tools from home.” — Dr. Herb Lamb, former Upper School science chair, parent of alumni
• Fall 1992: Upper School opens the new F.M. Kirby Physics Building and renovated/ expanded Glaxo Science Building. • Feb. 1993: DA launches $4.4M Expanding the Vision capital campaign. • Spring 1994: New Scott Performing Arts Building (including Taylor Hall) opens.
“
e did our Parents Night in shifts because I couldn’t fit all the parents into W the space we had for assemblies and performances. For community meeting, I’d stand on a courtyard picnic table and the kids would stand outside, and that’s how we did it until Taylor Hall was finished. The [arts] programs definitely expanded because of Taylor Hall. Before that, chorus and band were in a trailer, so having a nicer facility is going to enhance the program.” — Tim Dahlgren
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